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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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A significant winter storm is set to sweep across the Upper Midwest this weekend, dumping as much as 36 inches of snow in parts of Michigan and Wisconsin, with other substantial amounts expected across the region.
Winter Storm Iona is forecast to barrel into the Upper Midwest this weekend, bringing bands of heavy snow that could pile up to 36 inches in some areas and prompting officials to urge residents to monitor rapidly changing conditions. The system arrives on the heels of unusually warm temperatures across the region—weather that may leave some people less prepared for a fast return to hazardous winter travel, power outages, and whiteout conditions.
Forecasters say the dramatic swing from springlike warmth to a dangerous winter storm could complicate planning as communities brace for a potentially high‑impact event.
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The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued numerous winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories from northeastern North Dakota through Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Many of these warnings say that up to a foot of snow is possible in the hardest hit areas, but some meteorologists outside of the NWS warn that three times' that is possible.
"2nd Winter coming in strong across the Upper Midwest. That’s 2-3 FEET of snow from Wisconsin to Michigan," Weather Channel meteorologist Chris Bruin posted on X on Thursday morning. "Rochester, The Twin Cities, Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Traverse City…YOU READY?!"
NWS meteorologist Taylor Prislovsky told Newsweek that two, back-to-back winter storm systems will strike the region from Thursday night through early next week. The first system, which is included in the winter storm warning, will produce between 6 to 12 inches of snow in Michigan, whereas with snowfall totals from the second system added in, as much as 3 feet is possible.
Winter Storm Weather Radar
Animated weather footage from windy.com shows the winter storm will moving from west to east, with winter storm warnings going into effect in North Dakota and Minnesota early Thursday afternoon. By later in the evening, the winter storm warnings will go into effect in Wisconsin and Michigan.
Travel is expected to be "very difficult," meteorologists said, in areas experiencing strong winds and blowing, drifting snow that "significantly" reduces visibility. In northeastern Minnesota, a blizzard warning will accompany the winter storm warning.
"Visibilities will drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages," the blizzard warning said. "Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes."
Heavy Snow Warnings Issued
Many of the winter storm warnings in place told residents to be on alert for heavy snow, which could exceed a foot in some of the hardest-hit areas. Over the next five days, as much as 40 inches of snow could fall across northwestern Michigan, according to snowfall accumulation maps from windy.com.
Freezing Rain Possible
States on the southern end of the storm could see rain instead of snow, or freezing rain in some instances. These impacts can also greatly affect travel.
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