Today, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, a major winter storm is hammering the northern United States, bringing heavy snow, icy roads, and widespread travel headaches from the Northern Plains to the Upper Midwest and northern New England. Winter storm warnings are in place across at least eight states and millions are being told to stay off the roads or bundle up—because this is a rough way to start April.
The National Weather Service (NWS) says the storm rolled in from the Pacific Northwest overnight, clashing with a punch of cold Arctic air and dumping wet snow across the region. By noon, the Weather Prediction Center posted “Key Messages” on X, warning of “hazardous winter conditions” in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Some areas are seeing 6 to 12 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 35 mph blowing it sideways—creating near-zero visibility in cities like Fargo and Duluth.
But it’s not just snow. Ice is the big worry in parts of the Upper Midwest. The NWS warned that Michigan’s Upper Peninsula could get up to a quarter inch of freezing rain—enough to snap tree limbs, down power lines, and turn roads into ice rinks. Winter storm warnings now stretch from northern Kansas and Missouri all the way to Maine. Cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Portland (ME) are all in the storm’s path. “Travel could be very difficult,” the NWS said, urging people to carry flashlights, food, and water if they must drive.
The Weather Channel called it “another winter storm this week,” despite the date on the calendar. They’re describing it as a late punch from winter, first slamming the Northern Plains—Bismarck, Rapid City—before marching east through the Great Lakes Tuesday night. Kansas City and St. Louis might see 4 to 8 inches along the I-70 corridor, and northern New England is bracing for steady snow through Wednesday. “It’s like March forgot to leave,” one social media user joked, sharing a pic of snow-covered cars.
So why’s this happening?
According to the NWS Weather Prediction Center, it’s a mix of Arctic air diving south and moisture from the Gulf pushing north—classic setup. The storm dumped heavy snow in Sacramento’s mountains Monday, per weather.gov, then picked up steam crossing the Rockies. The Upper Midwest is now taking the brunt: winds, snow, and near-blizzard conditions.
Impact?
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Schools in Minnesota canceled Tuesday classes
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Hundreds of flights delayed or canceled in Chicago and Minneapolis, per flight trackers
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Power crews in Michigan and upstate New York are bracing for outages tonight
“Stay inside if you can,” The Weather Channel warned, especially with icy bridges and overpasses adding danger.
Bundle up—it’s winter’s last laugh on April 1.