Residents across the Midwest are bracing for a significant winter storm this weekend, as meteorologists warn of heavy snowfall, hazardous travel conditions, and frigid temperatures stretching from Indiana through Michigan and into Wisconsin. The timing of the storm, arriving just as millions embark on post-Thanksgiving journeys, has heightened concern among officials and travelers alike.
According to FOX59, a Winter Storm Warning will be in effect from 7 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025, through 10 a.m. Sunday, November 30, for counties along and north of the I-70 corridor in Indiana. Areas south of I-70 will be under a Winter Weather Advisory during the same period. Snow is forecast to move in Saturday morning, becoming steady and heavy at times by the afternoon. Winds gusting up to 25 mph will further reduce visibility, making travel treacherous. The heaviest accumulations are expected north of Indianapolis, particularly from Lafayette to Marion, with totals of 2 to 4 inches near the city and even higher amounts farther north. South of I-70, a rain-snow mix will limit totals to 1 to 2 inches.
"Accumulating snow will spread across the state Saturday," FOX59 reported, emphasizing the widespread impact. The wintry mix is expected to linger into Sunday morning before tapering off by afternoon, but skies will remain cloudy and temperatures will hover near freezing. The cold pattern is set to continue into the first week of December, with highs in the lower 30s and another chance for snow on Tuesday.
Over in Michigan, the situation looks even more intense. MLive notes that Winter Storm Warnings are in place for much of the southern Lower Peninsula, with advisories covering the north. Snowfall totals of 6 to 12 inches are possible across West Michigan, with the heaviest bands—8 to 10 inches—expected from Holland and South Haven through Grand Rapids and Lansing. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Rapids explained, "Still thinking 6+ inches will occur over much of the forecast area, with the exception being the U.S. 10 corridor which may come in just below those totals." Peak snowfall rates could exceed 1 inch per hour on Saturday evening, particularly in the southeast portion of the state.
For residents of the Tri-Cities region, including Midland and Saginaw, 4 to 7 inches of snow are likely, while lighter amounts are forecast for the Thumb region. The NWS Detroit/Pontiac office added, "Widespread accumulating snow is forecast Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning, with the peak of the event during Saturday evening. Forecast totals are in the 4 to 7 inch range with the higher end of the range most likely west of US-23." The warnings and advisories are set to expire by 10 a.m. Sunday, but lingering travel impacts could extend into the busy holiday return period.
Travelers in Michigan are being urged to exercise caution, as roads—especially bridges and overpasses—are expected to become slick and hazardous. Visibility may drop below a quarter mile during periods of heavy snow, increasing the risk for accidents. The Michigan Storm Chaser group has released timelines based on the latest HRRR model, confirming that the heaviest snow and worst travel conditions are expected Saturday afternoon and night.
In southeast Michigan, WDIV Local 4 declared a 4Warn Weather Alert for Saturday and Sunday. The Winter Storm Warning covers Livingston, Washtenaw, and Lenawee counties, while a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, and Genesee counties from 3 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday. Light snow will begin in western counties between 1 and 2 p.m., spreading toward Metro Detroit by late afternoon. The heaviest snow is anticipated from 6 p.m. to midnight, with snowfall rates reaching up to 1 inch per hour. "If you are driving during that window, expect slippery roads, slow travel, and poor visibility. Road crews may have difficulty keeping up for several hours," the station warned.
Snow will continue overnight, gradually letting up by midday Sunday, but leftover flurries and slick spots could persist. The type of snow will vary: wetter and heavier south of Detroit due to milder temperatures, more typical Midwest snowfall in the suburbs, and lighter, powdery snow in northern counties. Airport delays and cancellations are also possible at Detroit Metro and major hubs across the country, as the storm is part of a broader weather pattern affecting multiple regions.
Wisconsin, too, is under the gun. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that all of southern Wisconsin is under a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 3 a.m. Saturday and lasting through 6 a.m. Sunday. Counties affected include Marquette, Green Lake, Sauk, Columbia, Iowa, Dane, Jefferson, Lafayette, Green, Rock, Walworth, Racine, Kenosha, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Dodge, Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha, and Milwaukee. Snowfall amounts are expected to range from 5 to 11 inches, with some counties—particularly in the west and southwest—potentially seeing as much as 8 to 11 inches.
Northern and central Wisconsin counties have winter storm warnings from 9 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, with 6 to 9 inches expected. Farther north, near the Michigan border, snow totals will be less—2 to 8 inches—but conditions could still be hazardous. NWS meteorologist Kevin Wagner described the event as a "long duration snow event" and advised Thanksgiving travelers to keep a close eye on the forecast. "If you can alter plans to avoid the worst conditions, that would probably be the best idea," Wagner told the Journal Sentinel.
Authorities across all three states are urging residents to prepare ahead. The National Weather Service recommends staying indoors during the storm, stocking up on essentials, and charging devices in case of power outages. If the heat fails, closing off unused rooms, insulating doors and windows, and layering clothing are suggested to stay warm. Those without shelter are encouraged to seek out warming centers, with resources available through local services like 211 Wisconsin.
For those who must travel, officials stress the importance of checking road conditions, allowing extra time, and carrying emergency supplies. Live updates on road conditions can be found via state transportation maps, and weather apps provide real-time alerts. As the storm approaches, the best advice remains: if you don’t need to be on the road, it’s wise to stay put and let the plows and emergency crews do their work.
With snow set to blanket the Midwest from Indiana to Wisconsin, the coming days will test both the resolve and preparedness of residents and travelers. For many, it’s a familiar challenge—but one that demands respect as nature flexes its winter muscles once again.
