Winter Storm Disrupts Midwest on Major Travel Day
A powerful winter storm has disrupted travel across the Midwest, coinciding with one of the busiest travel days of the year. Significant incidents, including a 45-car pile-up in Indiana and a Delta flight skidding off a runway in Iowa, have been reported as the storm continues to impact millions.
Winter Weather Alerts and Travel Disruptions
As of Sunday morning, approximately 25 million individuals remained under winter weather alerts. The Thanksgiving weekend storm has already brought over a foot of snow and strong winds to certain areas. Thunderstorms were also observed across the Southern states.
Snow Accumulation Reports
- Fort Dodge, Iowa: 15 inches
- Lancaster, Wisconsin: 13 inches
- Pana, Illinois: 12 inches
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the Chicago area, predicting reduced visibility due to a quick burst of snowfall. Indiana State Police confirmed that the 45-car pile-up on Interstate 78 resulted in no serious injuries.
Official Advice and Cancellations
Sergeant Matt Ames urged residents to remain at home if possible. For those who must drive, he emphasized the importance of safe driving practices. Cleanup operations on the interstate are expected to last around six hours.
In Iowa, Delta flight 5087 slid off the runway at Des Moines International Airport during icy conditions. The airline, along with the Federal Aviation Administration, is investigating the matter. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and passengers were safely deplaned.
Forecast for Eastern States
Forecasts indicate that rain and snow will move into the eastern third of the country Sunday morning, affecting locations like Cleveland, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Charlotte, and Atlanta. These areas may experience additional snowfall totaling 2 to 8 inches.
Flight Disruptions
- Over 4,200 flights delayed
- 572 cancellations nationwide
Airports, particularly Chicago O’Hare International Airport, have seen significant travel delays. O’Hare alone accounted for 250 cancellations and 771 delays. Travelers faced long lines and crowded scenes as they awaited their flights.
Passenger Experiences
Sisters Rima and Jasmin Eid faced multiple delays on their journey from Chicago to Miami. They hoped to surprise their mother with a cruise but were frustrated by the lack of accommodation from the airline due to their ticket class. “It’s very frustrating and very upsetting,” Jasmine shared.
With travel conditions expected to remain challenging, travelers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and prepare for potential delays. El-Balad will continue to provide updates on the winter storm’s impact.
