Massive Lake-Effect Snowstorm Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel Across Great Lakes Region

A formidable lake-effect snowstorm swept across the Great Lakes region over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, beginning Wednesday, November 26, 2025, and persisting through Saturday, November 29, 2025. The storm unleashed heavy snowfall, with some areas receiving up to three feet, severely disrupting travel plans and posing significant safety hazards.

The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings spanning from Montana to New York, with the heaviest snowfall impacting Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Central and western Illinois were particularly hard-hit from Friday night through Saturday, with accumulations ranging from six inches to over a foot. The storm's timing during the busy Thanksgiving travel period exacerbated its impact, leading to widespread travel disruptions and hazardous conditions.

Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air masses move over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes, picking up moisture and depositing it as heavy, localized snowfall. This event was triggered by cold Canadian air passing over the relatively warm Great Lakes, creating conditions conducive to significant snowfall. Steve Considine, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Michigan’s White Lake Township, explained, "The system coming through is producing some snow. Most is enhanced off the Great Lakes — snowbelt areas. That’s where they are looking at the big snowfall."

In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, blizzard warnings were issued for regions like Alger County, with up to 13 inches of additional snow expected. Some areas near Bessemer and Montreal, Wisconsin, reported snowfall totals between 18 to 33 inches due to terrain-enhanced snowfall. Snow squalls and whiteout conditions posed serious driving dangers, particularly in eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois. Multiple vehicle accidents were reported in snowy western Michigan.

The storm coincided with the Thanksgiving holiday, traditionally one of the busiest travel periods in the United States. Airports in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit experienced significant delays due to wind and heavy snow. Major highways, including Interstates 75, 79, 80, 81, 86, 90, and 196, were affected by heavy snow, snow-covered roads, and poor visibility.

The late November 2025 lake-effect snowstorm serves as a stark reminder of the power of natural weather phenomena and their capacity to disrupt daily life, especially during critical times such as holiday seasons. Understanding the mechanisms behind such events and improving preparedness can help mitigate their impact on society.