Winter storm knocks out power, makes travel treacherous across the Midwest
This latest round of winter weather comes days after a deadly winter storm slammed the central U.S. and brought nearly a foot of snow and whiteout conditions to parts of the Plains.
A powerful winter storm impacted the Midwest to finish the workweek and start the weekend, with blizzard conditions for some communities while others experienced power outages.
More than a quarter of a million electric outages were reported by PowerOutages.us, with the greatest concentrations centered in southeastern Wisconsin and eastern Michigan.
The combination of heavy snow and strong winds was simply too much for some trees and power lines to handle.
DTE Electric, Michigan's largest utility provider, said it had nearly 1,100 linemen on standby and ready to respond to outages.
The company did not publicly state how long it would take to restore everyone's electricity, but many will be wishing for a quick response as temperatures are not expected to reach above 20 degrees through most of the upcoming week.
Low temperatures are expected to fall to 0 degrees or below, which will make the cold weather dangerous for anyone without heat and exposed to the elements.
HERE'S WHY 'BLIZZARD ALLEY' IS IN THE NORTHERN PLAINS
Power outages across the Midwest
(FOX Weather)
Over 5,000 flights delayed or canceled
For many impacted by the storm system, the snowfall was the largest accumulation so far this season and was detrimental to travelers on roadways and at airports.
Chicago's airports had the most cancellations and delays among the more than 2 dozen cities impacted by the winter weather.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) reported more than 800 flights were canceled as of Friday afternoon due to the winter storm, as the FAA placed a ground stop at the airport. Chicago's Midway Airport reported nearly 300 cancellations as of early Friday afternoon, according to Flightaware.com.
FOX Weather Meteorologist Amy Freeze, was reporting live from Chicago and heard thunder during some of the snow falling over the Windy City Friday morning.
Iowa State Patrol Trooper Paul Gardner captured footage of the hazardous conditions on U.S. Route 20 in Calhoun County and urged people to stay home and be safe.
The state's transportation department was advising people not to travel on most roads east of Des Moines. The Illinois DOT was also reporting that most roads across the northern part of the state were dangerous because of blowing snow. The bulk of roads in Wisconsin were either listed by the state's DOT as slippery in stretches or snow-covered.
Marshalltown, Iowa, located about an hour northeast of Des Moines, was the first location to verify blizzard conditions in the state on Friday. Drifting snow piles combined with the wind created dangerous driving conditions.
Snowfall totals top one foot
The greatest snowfall totals topped over a foot in several states across the Midwest and the Quad Cities appeared to earn top honors this go around.
At last report, Davenport saw just over 15 inches of snow, with many readings above a foot in eastern Iowa and southern Wisconsin.
Snow showers were still ongoing as of Saturday morning, but many of the major cities missed out on seeing substantial accumulations.
Observation sites around downtown Chicago only reported around 2" of precipitation, while Milwaukee saw more than 4" of new powder.
Snowfall accumulations in Midwest
(FOX Weather)
Temperatures plunge after the storm
As if the snow won’t make conditions dangerous enough, millions of Americans are bracing for a bitter blast of frigid air that moves in from Canada.
"And this is the storm that really unlocks the arctic cold that comes in behind it," FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar said. "So, get ready for this flash freeze that’s going to happen in the weekend."
The combination of the winds and cold weather is expected to make the temperatures feel like it is -40, -50 or even -60 degrees below zero throughout the Plains.
The life-threatening wind chills could result in frostbite in just minutes and local National Weather Service offices warned everyone who faced the potential of dangerous conditions to stay indoors.
"If you must be outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing in layers. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly and that you have a carbon monoxide detector. Do not use generators or grills inside. If traveling, carry a winter survival kit and inform others of your travel plans," the NWS office in Bismark, North Dakota, said.
HERE'S HOW LONG IT'LL TAKE YOU TO GET FROSTBITE AS WIND CHILLS DIP BELOW ZERO
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