A massive storm is bringing blizzard conditions and icy roads to the U.S. right as the holiday travel rush gets underway.
Cancellations, delayed deliveries and outages
Over 4,500 flights are canceled within, into or out of the U.S. so far on Friday.
FedEx and UPS warned that customers could see delays on Christmas deliveries due to the weather’s impact on major shipping hubs.
The Buffalo Airport Airfield has closed due to hazardous weather conditions. All evening flights at the Buffalo Airport are canceled. Please visit https://t.co/kYwXuaMsRD for the latest information. pic.twitter.com/HFtKuXNURc
— Buffalo Airport (@BUFAirport) December 23, 2022
Passengers check in at the Delta counter at Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus, Michigan, Dec. 22, 2022.
Travelers arrive for their flights at the United Airlines Terminal 1 ahead of the Christmas Holiday, at O’Hare International Airport, Dec. 22, 2022, in Chicago.
More than 1.5 million customers are without power in the U.S. and states of emergency have been declared from South Dakota to New York.
“This is really a very serious weather alert,” President Joe Biden warned Thursday. “Please take this storm extremely seriously.”
Traffic and snow maintenance vehicles clear the roadway as a traffic sign cautions drivers about the conditions along State Highway 14/18, Dec, 22, 2022, in Madison, Wis.
Vehicles travel along Interstate 44 as snow begins to fall and temperatures drop Dec. 22, 2022, in St. Louis.
Danger on the roads
State police, including in New York, Illinois and Michigan, are urging people to stay off the roads.
WNY- The road conditions are getting worse with very little visibility. Motorist should avoid travel. Motorists that bypass the gates at interstates and thruways will result in fines. pic.twitter.com/vipHAw9amN
— NewYorkStatePolice (@nyspolice) December 23, 2022
Grand Rapids troopers are assisting a jackknifed semi on I-96 W/B near M6. Roads are icy and sudden white out conditions exist. If you have to travel, do so slowly and safely. Otherwise, please just stay home. pic.twitter.com/ybiraYWkFu
— MSP Sixth District (@mspwestmi) December 23, 2022
It’s not just the freeways that are impassable… Even 4WD pickups are having a tough time with this ice & blowing snow. This incident happened near Elms & Hill Rd in Gaines Twp. #DriveSlowOnIceAndSnow pic.twitter.com/8kaYDgvqnY
— MSP Third District (@mspbayregion) December 23, 2022
The Michigan State Police said nine semi-tractor trailers crashed on Interstate 94 in Berrien County, where “visibility is near zero.” A seven car pileup was reported in the same area, according to police.
Footage of 9 semi tractor trailer crash; I-94 at mm #41, Watervliet Twp, Berrien County pic.twitter.com/6DvPw3Cvuw
— MSP Fifth District (@MspSouthwestMI) December 23, 2022
Latest forecast
The storm barreled across the Midwest and Great Lakes on Thursday.
A Chicago Transit Authority train arrives at the Roosevelt train station as the leading edge of a winter storm begins in Chicago, Dec. 22, 2022.
A man walks along Lake Michigan at sunrise as temperatures hover about -6 degrees, Dec. 22, 2022 in Chicago.
Blizzard conditions will continue in the Great Lakes into Friday.
8AM: The views and the crews haven’t changed. Still dealing with blowing and drifting snow and extremely cold temperatures. This is from a plow on I-271 in Cuyahoga County, one of around 1,200 out statewide. Please avoid unnecessary travel, if possible. #ODOTwinter pic.twitter.com/EuOSlHLaBR
— Ohio Dept of Transportation (@ODOT_Statewide) December 23, 2022
Several feet of snow could drop in Michigan and western New York.
Only a few inches of snow is expected for the rest of the Midwest. But the combination of the snow, wind and brutal cold will make travel extremely dangerous throughout the day Friday.
Meanwhile, heavy rain invaded the Northeast Thursday night, flooding roads from Virginia to New York.
The heavy rain is ongoing in New England.
As the temperature plunges on Friday, roads could turn to ice, so those hitting the road for the holidays should use extreme caution.
DC Fire & EMS responded to this tree with wires down in the 1200 block of Franklin St NE. Vehicle was struck but there were no injuries. Wet ground & high winds will result in additional trees and wires down, so use caution. Treat all wires down as if they were live. #DCsBravest pic.twitter.com/zpWuUNEVgo
