Heavy snow, dangerous winds and freezing temperatures are sweeping from the Rockies to the Midwest as the Pacific Northwest braces for flooding
Around 19 million people across the West and Midwest are facing winter weather alerts as heavy snow and powerful winds sweep through multiple regions. The winter blast arrived Saturday morning with snow showers scattered over parts of the northern Plains and Rockies, stretching from Montana to the Dakotas in a pattern that promises to disrupt weekend travel and daily activities.
This precipitation is expected to persist throughout the day, with snow gradually shifting into Iowa and Minnesota by afternoon. By Saturday night, a burst of snow and wintry mix will move into Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin, affecting major metropolitan areas including Chicago through the overnight hours.
Chicago residents bundle up for early winter assault
People braving the cold in Chicago Saturday morning bundled up in multiple layers of clothing as they navigated snowy streets. The early arrival of significant snowfall has caught many residents off guard, forcing them to adjust their winter preparations ahead of schedule.
Catherine Karwowski, a Chicago resident, expressed concern about the timing of the severe weather. This is early for the city to have this much snow and these temperatures, she noted, adding that residents are bracing themselves for what could be a rough winter season.
Katie Jones recently moved to Illinois from Texas and is experiencing her first winter in the Midwest. She received her heavy winter coat just in time for the storm’s arrival, highlighting how unprepared newcomers from warmer climates can be for the region’s harsh winter conditions.
Brielle Trostley, visiting Chicago from Florida, said she is struggling to adapt to the cold but finds herself savoring the novelty of the snow. Seeing everything covered in white all the time represents a completely new experience for someone who has never encountered snow before.
Snow spreads across multiple states
The snow will extend into parts of Michigan, Indiana and Ohio while lingering over Illinois on Sunday morning. This system will move relatively quickly, reaching the interior Northeast by Sunday night. Snow showers will continue over the region through Sunday night before tapering off Monday morning, giving affected areas a brief respite before the next weather system potentially arrives.
The highest snow totals will target mountainous areas, where parts of Wyoming, Utah, Montana and Colorado could see an additional 5 to 12 inches. Some locations may receive up to 20 inches, creating treacherous conditions for anyone attempting to travel through these regions. The snow combined with 60 mph wind gusts will make mountain travel extremely difficult through the weekend.
Video from Utah’s Department of Transportation showed snow-covered roads in the north-central region of the state Friday evening, offering a preview of what many other areas will experience as the storm system progresses eastward.
Midwest expects significant accumulation
Forecasters expect 2 to 5 inches of snow across a broad swath of the Midwest from the Dakotas through Lake Michigan, including the Chicago metropolitan area. Around 6 to 8 inches of snow will be possible over Iowa, where the heaviest accumulations could create hazardous driving conditions and power outages.
Totals across the interior Northeast will be more modest, with most areas seeing a dusting of up to 1 inch. Forecasters expect 2 to 4 inches over western New York, where lake effect snow could enhance totals in localized areas near the Great Lakes.
Frigid temperatures grip multiple regions
Temperatures will remain on the cooler side for the Rockies, the Plains, the Northeast and parts of the Southeast on Saturday afternoon, with highs 5 to 20 degrees below average. Daytime highs will range from the single digits in the northern Plains to the 20s through 50s across the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast.
Overnight lows will dip below zero across the northern Plains, creating dangerous conditions for anyone without adequate shelter or heating. Temperatures will drop as low as the 10s to 20s across the Midwest, Rockies, Appalachians and Northeast. Despite the significant chill, no record lows are forecast for Saturday.
On Sunday, the bulk of cold air will sit over the Plains, with daytime highs 10 to 25 degrees below average. This will especially affect Minnesota, the Dakotas and Iowa, where highs will remain in the single digits and teens throughout the day.
Pacific Northwest faces flooding threat
A series of strong Pacific storms fueled by an atmospheric river will bring a risk of widespread flooding to parts of Washington and Oregon through the week. Flood alerts will go into effect for the western half of these states, including Seattle and the Oregon cities of Portland and Eugene starting Sunday night and lasting through Friday.
Rounds of heavy rain will affect the region over the next week, bringing 2 to 6 inches of rain, with up to 10 inches possible in some areas. Snow levels in this region will climb above 6,000 to 7,500 feet, meaning most precipitation will fall as rain rather than snow in lower elevation areas.
Prolonged threats include landslides, burn scar flash flooding and coastal flooding. Areas recently affected by wildfires face particular danger, as the lack of vegetation to absorb rainfall increases the risk of debris flows and mudslides. Coastal communities should prepare for potential storm surge and high waves that could damage infrastructure and threaten homes near the shoreline.
Travel disruptions expected
The combination of heavy snow, strong winds and reduced visibility will create hazardous travel conditions across multiple states through the weekend. Authorities are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel during the worst of the storm and to prepare emergency kits if they must venture out onto roads and highways.
Airlines may experience delays and cancellations at major hubs including Chicago O’Hare, Denver International and Minneapolis-St. Paul, creating ripple effects throughout the national air travel system.
👋 SR-224 ROAD CONDITIONS
📍Kimball to 224/248: wet
📍Roundabout to Wheaton Way:snow covered
📍Wheaton to Empire Pass: snow covered/icy around corners & steep areas.🚨REMINDER: The Traction Law in effect beyond the Roundabout to Empire Pass. applies to ALL vehicles. pic.twitter.com/prrupDpyN4
— UDOT Wasatch Back (@wasatchbackudot) December 6, 2025