Historic Snowfall 2025: Live Storm Tracker, Impacted Cities, Travel Warnings & Safety Tips

A November blast of arctic air has flipped autumn into full-on winter across the United States, delivering the season’s first widespread snowfall from the Upper Midwest to northern New England and setting the stage for more disruptive storms in the days ahead. Early-season records shattered Chicago’s earliest significant lake-effect event since 2018 dropped up to 12 inches on lakeshore suburbs, coating highways and snarling Monday morning commutes. Farther north, Duluth and the Iron Range reported 6–9-inch totals as bands pivoted off an ice-rimmed Lake Superior. Meteorologists say the heavy burst arrived almost three weeks ahead of the city’s average first measurable snow, hinting at an energetic storm track fueled by a strengthening El Niño. Cold spell pushes deep into the South The same polar plunge shattered at least 80 low-temperature records from Texas to the Carolinas, with Amarillo plunging to 12 °F and Atlanta registering its first November freeze since 2020. The sharp contrast between Gulf warmth and continental chill is priming the atmosphere for “sloppy” mixed precipitation events, forecasters warn. Twin Cities bracing for slick commute A Winter Weather Advisory covers the southern Twin Cities through Tuesday morning. Forecasters expect a quick 2–4 inches of heavy, wet snow that could coat elevated roads and cause scattered power outages as tree limbs buckle under the weight. DOT crews have pre-treated interstates, but officials urge rush-hour drivers to allow extra braking distance and to pack emergency kits as winds gust to 35 mph. New England tallies double-digit totals Maine’s western mountains won the early-season jackpot: Carrabassett Valley reported 14 inches, while Conway, New Hampshire, came in at 11 inches—enough to jump-start local ski areas more than a week before Thanksgiving. Resorts from Sugarloaf to Bretton Woods plan to open additional trails this weekend, capitalizing on fresh powder and aggressive snow-making in the cold snap. What’s next: storm parade eyes Great Lakes and Northeast Long-range models show a conveyor belt of clipper systems diving out of western Canada, each tapping Gulf moisture as it races east. The National Weather Service warns that a stronger wave late Thursday could dump another 6–10 inches along the I-90 corridor from South Bend to Buffalo before redeveloping into a coastal nor’easter. Travelers should monitor airline alerts and consider flexible itineraries as airports test newly updated de-icing protocols. Winter preparedness checklist • Check tire tread depth and switch to snow tires if temperatures consistently stay below 45 °F. • Restock home emergency kits with batteries, blankets, and shelf-stable food. • Inspect rooflines and clear gutters to prevent ice dams during freeze-thaw cycles. • Sign up for local text alerts from emergency management offices for real-time road closures and warming-center locations. Bottom line This month’s premature snowfall is a wake-up call that winter 2025-26 may arrive fast and furious. With atmospheric drivers aligning for frequent storm traffic, residents across the northern half of the country should expect above-average snowfall potential and plan accordingly.