A cross-country storm dumping snow across the Midwest has led to hundreds of canceled flights and snowy roads, including a 45-car pileup on one Indiana highway, amid the post-Thanksgiving travel rush.
Overall, more than 1,400 flights across the country were canceled Saturday, with the majority due to weather hitting the upper Midwest, according to FlightAware.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport was the most impacted airport by far, with over 930 cancellations and over 750 delays as of Saturday afternoon. Flights leaving to O’Hare are delayed an average of five hours due to snow and ice, according to the FAA.
Chicago Midway International Airport had 187 cancellations and 85 delays. Both airports were also issued ground stops.
In Putnamville, Indiana, south of Indianapolis, state authorities said a crash on Interstate 70 led to a 45-car pileup that closed the highway. State police said there were no major injuries reported.
Millions are under winter weather alerts, as the storm is expected to push into the Great Lakes on Saturday night.
Over half a foot of snow is possible from central Iowa into southern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, Indiana and Western Michigan.
With heavy snow and gusty winds at times, whiteout conditions and very dangerous travel will be likely for these areas on Saturday and into Sunday morning.
Behind the storm, expect a cold blast for the Northern U.S. — temperatures are set to drop 10 to 20 degrees below the average for early December.
Another winter storm is forecast for next week.
