Heavy Snowstorm Hits Midwest and Beyond – What You Need to Know

A big winter storm is coming across the U. S. , with some areas expecting up to three feet of snow. The weather service warns that driving should be limited to emergencies and that people staying on the road should keep a survival kit handy. In mountain regions, the wind is strong enough to trigger avalanches, so hikers and skiers should stay alert. The storm will hit Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin first, bringing blizzard‑grade winds and deep snowfall. In parts of central Minnesota and western Wisconsin, the forecast calls for up to two feet of snow in a single day. Later on Sunday, wind speeds could reach 50 miles per hour, turning the roads into a whiteout. In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, counties such as Marquette and Houghton are braced for 12 to 36 inches of snow, with gusts up to 60 miles per hour. The storm may also bring icy patches that can make driving hazardous.South Dakota’s border counties will see 10 to 19 inches of snow, while farther west they may get only six to ten inches. Even with less snowfall, the strong winds could make travel difficult. In Wisconsin, many areas expect 18 to 24 inches of snow, and some places in the Lake Superior region could receive up to 32 inches. The Pacific Northwest will experience brief mountain storms, with two to five inches of snow in some spots. North Dakota is set for 5 to 9 inches, and New York’s eastern part may see up to 12 inches. Even Hawaii’s high peaks are not spared; Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa could get 12 to 18 inches of snow with wind gusts up to 110 miles per hour, creating near‑zero visibility.