Holiday Travel Alert: Snowstorm to Impact I-39, I-55, I-80, I-90 and I-94 Corridors This Weekend

A strong winter storm is expected to sweep across the Upper Mississippi River Valley on Saturday, bringing snow and travel delays.

Chicago, IL – A regional winter storm is forecast to hit the Upper Mississippi River Valley on Saturday, delivering widespread snow, strong winds, and dangerous driving conditions across several states just as holiday travelers return to the highways.

The National Weather Service in Chicago said snow will begin late Friday night and intensify Saturday morning. The system will affect major travel routes including I-39, I-55, I-57, I-65, I-74, I-80, I-88, I-90, and I-94, covering areas from Iowa and Wisconsin through Illinois and into Indiana.

Snowfall rates may reach up to 1 inch per hour across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, with a possible transition to rain farther south by Saturday afternoon. Even with rain mixing in, forecasters warn that slick roads and travel delays are still likely throughout the region.

The storm will impact cities including Cedar Rapids, Madison, Rockford, Milwaukee, and Chicago, with the highest risk of dangerous travel conditions expected along the Mississippi River Valley. Temperatures will stay in the upper 20s to low 30s°F, and southeast winds gusting up to 25 mph may further reduce visibility.

Officials urge travelers to monitor weather updates, check road conditions before heading out, and adjust travel plans if needed. A more detailed forecast will be issued Thursday morning.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.