With Thanksgiving gatherings wrapping up and Black Friday shoppers hitting the roads, a massive winter storm warning for late November 2025 is threatening to disrupt travel for over 80 million Americans returning home, according to the American Automobile Association.
As of November 28, 2025, the National Weather Service (NWS) has expanded winter storm warnings across the Northern Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes, forecasting 6 to 14 inches of heavy snow, gusty winds up to 50 mph, and dangerous driving conditions from Friday through Sunday.
Cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Des Moines, and the Quad Cities could see historic November accumulations of 8-12 inches or more, potentially creating whiteout conditions and travel nightmares at major hubs. While blizzard criteria (35 mph winds and <¼-mile visibility for 3+ hours) aren’t fully met yet, meteorologists urge delaying non-essential trips amid low visibility and slippery roads.
In this urgent guide, we’ll cover the latest travel alerts, snowfall forecast details, and an essential safety guide to help you navigate the storm safely—ensuring you get home without incident.
Current Travel Alerts: NWS Warnings and Airport Impacts
Travel alerts are multiplying as the winter storm warning intensifies, with NWS issuing warnings for widespread heavy snow and squalls that could create hazardous post-Thanksgiving conditions. The American Automobile Association projects 80 million travelers over 50 miles from November 25 to December 1, 2025, and this storm threatens major disruptions at airports like Chicago O’Hare and Milwaukee Mitchell.
Key travel alerts from the winter storm warning:
- Winter Storm Warnings: In effect for Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois from Friday through Sunday—expect 6-12 inches of snow, with 14+ inches possible downwind of Lake Superior.
- Snow Squalls: Quick bursts of heavy snow and 35-50 mph winds in the interior Northeast, reducing visibility to near zero—NWS advises avoiding travel during peaks.
- Airport Delays: Chicago O’Hare and Midway could see 8-12 inches, causing flight cancellations; Des Moines and Quad Cities face similar—check FAA for real-time.
- Road Closures: Interstates 80/90 in the Plains and I-94 in the Midwest at risk—state DOTs recommend alternate routes or delays.
- Blizzard Potential: Not yet, but if winds hit 35 mph with <¼-mile visibility for 3 hours, upgrades possible—monitor NWS for updates.
Stay informed via weather.gov or apps like AccuWeather—adjust plans now to avoid stranding.
Snowfall Forecast: Where and How Much to Expect This Weekend
The snowfall forecast for the winter storm warning calls for a slow-moving system dumping 6-14 inches across the eastern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes from Friday to Sunday, with lake-effect snow pushing totals higher in Michigan and Wisconsin. The FOX Forecast Center labels it a “historic November storm” for Chicago and Milwaukee, potentially breaking 220-day no-snow streaks.
Snowfall forecast details for the winter storm warning:
- Northern Plains (Friday): 6-10 inches in Montana, Dakotas, and Nebraska—gusty winds 40 mph create blowing snow.
- Midwest Core (Saturday): 8-12 inches in Iowa, Illinois (Chicago), and Wisconsin (Milwaukee)—up to 14 inches downwind of Lake Michigan.
- Great Lakes (Sunday): 10-16 inches in lower Michigan and northern Ohio—lake-effect bands intensify totals.
- Eastern Extent: 4-8 inches in Indiana and Ohio—lesser impacts but slippery roads.
- Accumulation Risks: 1-3 inches/hour rates; whiteouts possible—NWS map shows totals by ZIP.
Check weather.gov for your area’s snowfall forecast—prepare for 12+ inches in high-risk zones.
Essential Safety Guide: How to Drive Through the Winter Storm Warning
Driving through the winter storm warning demands caution, with NWS advising delays for non-essential trips amid low visibility and black ice. The AAA recommends emergency kits and apps like Waze for real-time alerts—over 6,000 weather-related fatalities occur yearly.
Essential safety guide for the winter storm warning:
- Before You Go: Check weather.gov and state DOT apps; pack kit with water, blankets, flares, charger, and snacks—tell someone your route.
- On the Road: Reduce speed 50% in snow; increase following distance to 8-10 seconds; avoid cruise control on slick surfaces.
- Visibility Tips: Use low beams in snow; clear all windows/ lights; pull over if visibility <¼ mile—stay in car with hazards on.
- Stranded Prep: Run engine 10 minutes/hour for heat (crack window); hang bright cloth on antenna; call 911 if needed.
- Post-Storm: Allow extra time for melting ice; chain up if required in mountains.
Follow NWS and AAA for the essential safety guide—arrive alive.
Final Thoughts on the Winter Storm Warning 2025
The winter storm warning for late November 2025 threatens major disruptions for 80 million post-Thanksgiving travelers, with 6-14 inches of snow, gusty winds, and low visibility from the Northern Plains to the Great Lakes—Chicago and Milwaukee face historic falls. By heeding travel alerts (warnings Friday-Sunday), snowfall forecast (8-12 inches Midwest), and essential safety guide (delay trips, pack kits), you’ll navigate safely—check weather.gov and AAA for updates. In winter’s whiteout, preparation is your beacon—plan alternate routes and stay informed. Safe travels home.
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