Winter Storm Bellamy to Slam Midwest and Great Lakes with Up to 18 Inches of Snow, Disrupting Thanksgiving Travel
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — As millions prepare to head home for the Thanksgiving holiday, forecasters are warning that Winter Storm Bellamy will deliver a major snow event across the Midwest and Great Lakes — potentially producing over a foot of snow in some areas and creating hazardous travel conditions through the weekend.
The system is expected to bring lake-effect snow bands off the Great Lakes beginning Thursday, followed by widespread heavy snow from Friday through Sunday as the storm strengthens across the central United States.
Lake-Effect Snow to Start Thanksgiving Chaos
The storm will begin impacting Thanksgiving travelers as early as Thursday morning, with intense lake-effect snow bands developing off Lakes Michigan, Erie, and Ontario.
Forecast data shows:
- Traverse City, Michigan: 12–18 inches possible
- Marquette, Michigan: 8–12 inches
- Grand Rapids, Michigan: 5–8 inches
- Buffalo, New York: 8–12 inches
- Erie, Pennsylvania: 8–12 inches
- Syracuse, New York: 3–5 inches
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Winter Storm Warnings and Lake Effect Snow Advisories across Michigan, northern Indiana, and western New York.
Officials warn that snowfall rates could reach 2 inches per hour, with near-blizzard conditions along lake shorelines.
“This system will pack a serious punch,” said meteorologists monitoring the event. “Anyone traveling for Thanksgiving should prepare for delays, cancellations, and extremely poor visibility — especially near the Great Lakes.”
Winter Storm Bellamy to Deepen Friday–Sunday
By Friday night, Winter Storm Bellamy will merge with an Arctic front over the Plains, expanding its reach across Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan before tracking eastward through the weekend.
Expected snow totals include:
- Des Moines, Iowa: 8–12 inches
- Chicago, Illinois: 5–8 inches
- Springfield, Missouri: 5–8 inches
- Minneapolis, Minnesota: 8–12 inches
- Green Bay, Wisconsin: 8–10 inches
Forecasters warn that the storm’s heavy snow bands will coincide with strong winds, potentially gusting up to 40 mph, leading to blowing and drifting snow that could create whiteout conditions in open areas.
Hazardous Travel and Power Outages Possible
Travelers across major highways — including I-35, I-80, I-90, and I-94 — should anticipate dangerous conditions, road closures, and flight delays from Friday morning through Sunday night.
Airports in Chicago (ORD and MDW), Detroit (DTW), and Minneapolis (MSP) are expected to experience significant cancellations and delays, with airlines advising passengers to check flight statuses before departure.
Power outages are also possible in regions facing the heaviest wet snow and high winds, particularly in Michigan and northern Illinois.
Meteorologists Urge Caution Through the Holiday Weekend
“This is shaping up to be a dangerous and high-impact storm,” said one National Weather Service forecaster. “Holiday travelers across the Great Lakes should have backup plans and avoid driving during the storm’s peak on Friday and Saturday.”
Residents are urged to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy snow.
- Keep emergency kits in vehicles, including food, blankets, and flashlights.
- Prepare for power outages with generators or backup heat sources.
- Stay tuned to local weather alerts and advisories throughout the weekend.
Outlook
Winter Storm Bellamy is expected to gradually weaken by Sunday night, with lingering snow showers and strong winds continuing across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes through Monday morning.
Temperatures will plunge behind the storm, dropping into the teens and low 20s by early next week — ensuring that much of the region will stay snow-covered as December begins.
“This storm is arriving at the worst possible time for travel,” forecasters warned. “If your plans involve the Midwest or Great Lakes, be prepared for major disruptions — or consider delaying your trip.”
Stay connected to SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for continuing updates and real-time weather alerts as Winter Storm Bellamy impacts Thanksgiving travel across the Midwest and Great Lakes.
