Wisconsin, December 1, 2025
Utility crews are engaged in restoring power to thousands in Wisconsin after a severe winter storm led to widespread outages and travel disruptions. Over 6,000 power outages were reported, primarily affecting Milwaukee and South Milwaukee due to downed power lines from heavy, wet snow. The storm also caused flight disruptions at Des Moines International Airport and significant travel delays in Chicago, with hundreds of flights canceled or delayed. The region anticipates more snow as another storm approaches.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Utility crews are working to restore power to thousands of residents in Wisconsin following a severe winter storm that caused widespread outages and travel disruptions.
Power Outages in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, utility company We Energies reported over 6,000 power outages, with more than half affecting Milwaukee and South Milwaukee. The outages were caused by downed power lines due to heavy, wet snow. Residents in areas like Fredonia experienced power loss while shoveling snow, and power lines were observed sagging under the weight of the snow.
Flight Disruptions in Iowa
In Iowa, Des Moines International Airport reopened by midday on Sunday after a Delta Connection flight from Detroit slid off an icy runway on Saturday night. No injuries were reported, and passengers were transported to the terminal by bus. The incident occurred on a critical travel day at the end of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Impact on Chicago and the Great Lakes Region
Travelers in Chicago faced significant disruptions as hundreds of flights were canceled and delayed following the winter storm. By early afternoon, over 250 flights into and out of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport had been canceled, and more than 900 had been delayed. The storm also affected areas close to Lake Michigan, with up to 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) of snow falling since Saturday. In western Michigan, hundreds of churches advised worshippers to stay home or watch services online due to the severe weather conditions.
Weather Conditions and Forecast
The storm brought a wintry mix of rain and snow to the Northeast, while areas in Iowa and Illinois experienced over one foot of snow, including 15 inches (38 centimeters) in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The National Weather Service reported that snow in the Great Lakes region was tapering off, but a new storm was heading to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with up to a foot of snow expected by Tuesday. This upcoming storm is anticipated to be the first significant snowfall of the season for many areas, though major cities may not experience significant accumulations.
Background Context
Winter storms can lead to hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and disruptions to daily life. The recent storm in the Great Lakes and Midwest regions underscores the importance of preparedness and timely response to such weather events. Utility companies and transportation authorities continue to work diligently to restore services and ensure public safety during these challenging conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the power outages in Wisconsin?
The power outages in Wisconsin were caused by downed power lines due to heavy, wet snow from the winter storm.
Were there any injuries reported from the flight incident in Iowa?
No injuries were reported when the Delta Connection flight from Detroit slid off the icy runway at Des Moines International Airport.
How much snow fell in areas close to Lake Michigan?
Up to 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) of snow fell in areas close to Lake Michigan since Saturday.
What is the forecast for the upcoming storm?
A new storm is heading to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with up to a foot of snow expected by Tuesday. This upcoming storm is anticipated to be the first significant snowfall of the season for many areas, though major cities may not experience significant accumulations.
How are authorities responding to the winter storm?
Utility companies and transportation authorities are working diligently to restore services and ensure public safety during these challenging conditions.
Key Features of the Winter Storm Impact
| Location | Impact |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | Over 6,000 power outages reported, with more than half in Milwaukee and South Milwaukee. |
| Iowa | Des Moines International Airport reopened after a Delta Connection flight slid off an icy runway; no injuries reported. |
| Chicago | Over 250 flights canceled and more than 900 delayed at O’Hare International Airport. |
| Great Lakes Region | Up to 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) of snow fell in areas close to Lake Michigan; hundreds of churches in western Michigan advised worshippers to stay home or watch services online. |
| Mid-Atlantic and Northeast | New storm expected to bring up to a foot of snow by Tuesday; anticipated to be the first significant snowfall of the season for many areas. |
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