Severe Winter Storm Disrupts Travel and Power in Upper Midwest

Thu Dec 04 2025 21:06:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A powerful winter storm has caused extensive power outages and hazardous travel conditions across Wisconsin and Iowa, prompting emergency responses and cancellations as snow continues to fall.

A severe winter storm that hit the Great Lakes region over the weekend led to widespread power outages, particularly in Wisconsin, where thousands of residents were affected. Airlines faced disruptions as icy conditions led to travel cancellations. Communities are adapting to the adverse weather with many services shifting online.

Utility crews worked tirelessly to restore power to thousands of residents in Wisconsin following widespread outages caused by a fierce winter storm that swept through the Great Lakes region over the weekend. As the storm brought down power lines, recovery efforts focused on the worst-hit areas, especially Milwaukee and South Milwaukee, where residents reported significant disruptions.

In Des Moines, Iowa, travel was severely impacted as an airport closure forced passengers to face delays and rerouting. A Delta Connection flight experienced an incident on an icy runway on Saturday night, highlighting the dangerous conditions for travelers.

In western Michigan, many churches opted to cancel services, urging congregations to worship virtually instead, representing a significant shift towards online engagement due to the weather. Reports indicate that select areas near Lake Michigan experienced up to 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) of snow, contributing to the challenging circumstances across the region.

Mark Paladino, a local resident from Fredonia, shared his frustration after losing power while shoveling snow. Reports of sagging power lines due to heavy, wet snow further illustrated the impact of the storm on utilities and infrastructure.

The National Weather Service indicated that hazardous conditions persisted in some regions of Iowa, with gusty winds blowing snow back onto roads, compounding travel difficulties. According to meteorologist Andrew Orrison, parts of Iowa and Illinois received over a foot of snow, bringing challenges for residents and emergency services alike.

As snow in the Great Lakes region began to taper off, meteorologists warned of an incoming storm expected to affect the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Predictions included significant snowfall of up to a foot in some areas by Tuesday, marking the first major snow event of the season for many locations.

Despite the challenges, Orrison noted that major urban centers were not forecasted to face any significant snowfall, offering a level of reassurance to affected residents.