A powerful winter storm is sweeping across the Midwest, prompting widespread Winter Storm Warnings and disrupting daily life from Chicago to Northwest Indiana. With snowfall totals expected to reach 8 to 12 inches in some areas—especially where lake effect snow plumes develop—local officials are urging residents to stay indoors and prepare for hazardous travel and potential power outages.
Major Cities on Alert
The
National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings for the Chicago area, effective from Sunday evening through Monday afternoon. The storm is expected to bring
heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions. Schools across the region have already announced closures and delays, and emergency management teams are on high alert.
In addition to Chicago, warnings are in effect for Porter County and Lake County in Indiana, with similar impacts expected. The storm is also affecting higher elevations in the Southeast, with a Winter Storm Warning above 3,500 feet in Swain County, North Carolina, through Tuesday morning.
What’s Causing the Storm?
This early-season winter storm is part of a broader pattern influenced by a developing
La Niña event. According to the National Weather Service’s
2025-2026 Winter Outlook, La Niña conditions are present and expected to persist through December 2025, favoring cooler and wetter conditions in the Northern Plains and Midwest. While this particular storm is not directly caused by La Niña, the overall climate pattern is making the region more susceptible to severe winter weather.
Safety First: What You Need to Know
The
American Red Cross is reminding residents to take immediate precautions:
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Stay indoors if possible, especially during peak storm hours.
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Avoid using candles for light due to fire risk; use battery-powered flashlights instead.
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Never use generators, grills, or camp stoves indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with medical conditions.
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Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia, such as numbness, confusion, and shivering.
What’s Next?
Meteorologists expect the storm to gradually move eastward, with snowfall tapering off by midweek. However,
bitterly cold temperatures will follow, increasing the risk of ice and additional travel hazards. The National Weather Service warns that
record low temperatures could be set in parts of the Southeast by Tuesday morning.
Key Takeaways
- Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for the Chicago area, Northwest Indiana, and parts of the Southeast.
- Snowfall totals could reach 8 to 12 inches in some locations.
- Schools and businesses are closing or delaying operations.
- Residents are urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for power outages.
- The storm is part of a broader La Niña-influenced winter pattern.
Stay tuned to local news and weather updates for the latest information and safety instructions.
Sources
1. [PDF] Winter Outlook 2025-2026 - National Weather Service
2. Winter Storm Preparedness & Blizzard Safety - American Red Cross
3. The November 7, 2025 Severe Weather Coverage, As It Happened...
4. CBS Chicago - Breaking News, First Alert Weather, Exclusive ...
5. National Weather Service
6. FOX 32 Chicago | Local News, Weather, and Live Streams | WFLD
7. Asheville News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News
8. Breaking Weather News | FOX Weather Home of America's Weather ...
