A significant lake-effect snowstorm is set to disrupt Thanksgiving travel across the Great Lakes region, as the National Weather Service issued a Blizzard Warning on Tuesday (November 25) for parts of western Minnesota and northern South Dakota. The warning remains in effect through Tuesday night, with conditions expected to worsen as the week progresses.

The FOX Forecast Center predicts this could be the most substantial lake-effect snow event of the season, beginning Wednesday (November 26) and lasting through Thanksgiving Day and into Black Friday. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph are anticipated across Michigan's Upper Peninsula, as well as areas downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario in Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and western New York. These conditions may create whiteout and life-threatening driving conditions through Friday (November 28).

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Watches for these areas, with snowfall in Michigan's Upper Peninsula expected to be measured in feet. The NWS office in Marquette has advised residents to alter their holiday plans and avoid traveling on Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day.

The storm follows a system from the Northern Plains expected to bring rain to the Great Lakes on Tuesday, with snow likely confined to the Dakotas and Minnesota. As arctic air wraps behind this system, significant lake-effect snow is expected to develop in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

By Thanksgiving Day, intense and long-lasting snow bands are anticipated across the region, with Marquette potentially seeing between two to three feet of snow through Friday. Forecast uncertainty remains higher around Lakes Erie and Ontario, but heavy snow bands are expected to affect areas south of Buffalo, New York.

For those traveling in affected areas, staying updated with the latest forecasts is crucial.

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