A major snowstorm wreaked havoc in the St. Louis metro area on November 29, 2025. Drivers were left stranded and traffic accidents multiplied as chaos unfolded just as the Thanksgiving holiday wrapped up. In a scene reminiscent of past winter challenges, emergency responders quickly became overextended as road conditions worsened.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued early warnings via social media, advising travelers to prepare adequately for the changing conditions. “Roadway conditions are changing fast this morning. If you’re headed out, make sure to give yourself extra time… Clear your car, go slow, stay alert and drive safe,” they cautioned. Unfortunately, for many, these alerts arrived too late.

Within an hour of the first snowflakes beginning to fall, drivers found themselves trapped in deepening snow. Some vehicles became immobilized, blocking exit ramps, particularly on eastbound Interstate 64 at Kingshighway. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reported a jam of vehicles that were unable to navigate the treacherous conditions, adding to the chaos on regional roads.

The storm was part of a larger system affecting much of the northern and central United States. From Minnesota through Indiana and all the way to Missouri, heavy snow, ice, and high winds created dangerous travel scenarios. Accumulations in Iowa and Wisconsin topped 12 inches, with wind gusts between 35 and 50 mph causing whiteout conditions that made driving nearly impossible. Numerous winter storm warnings were issued by the National Weather Service, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of the storm, especially for holiday travelers.

As conditions deteriorated rapidly on Saturday morning, the combination of freezing drizzle and accumulating snow caused considerable difficulty for snowplows and road crews. Real-time updates showed a sharp decline in road conditions across Missouri and Illinois, with highways shifting from “partly covered” to “completely covered” in mere minutes. Drivers caught off guard by untreated pavement faced numerous accidents along I-70, extending toward Foristell. Many abandoned their vehicles, hoping for assistance as visibility plummeted.

The timing of the storm aggravated the situation. The Saturday following Thanksgiving marks one of the busiest travel days of the year. Delays were evident not only on the highways but also in regional airports. FlightAware.com reported delays averaging about one hour at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, with ripple effects felt as far away as Chicago, where worsening weather conditions compounded the delays.

Frustration among residents grew, captured on social media. Users expressed their anger, with one Twitter user, @CollinRugg, noting the lack of preparedness. This sentiment echoed among many others who felt the state had failed to adequately address the storm’s expected impact.

Meteorologists had been tracking the storm since Friday. It developed over the Dakotas and expanded eastward, bringing not just snow but also intense lake-effect conditions that worsened travel difficulties across the Midwest. Accumulations in some areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin exceeded 30 centimeters, contributing to the hazardous conditions along major routes.

In Indiana, a catastrophic 45-vehicle pileup occurred on westbound I-70 near Terre Haute, leading to the interstate’s closure for over six hours. Officials, such as Sgt. Matt Ames from the Indiana State Police, reported tirelessly assisting stranded drivers, highlighting the chaotic nature of the situation. In a clear message, Grant County Sheriff Del Garcia advised residents, “Stay home, have a nice cup of hot chocolate, watch some TV… We don’t need any more accidents today.”

Despite these warnings, the storm’s severity continued to catch regions off guard. Emergency services across Missouri and Ohio quickly found themselves overwhelmed. In northern Illinois, fierce snow-laden winds wreaked havoc, creating dangerous conditions. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, players at the Ohio State vs. Michigan football game faced freezing snowfall as blowers struggled to maintain visibility.

The magnitude of the storm underscores a persistent issue for state and local governments: the need for better preparedness and communication. While alerts were issued ahead of time, many found themselves unready for the storm’s swift onset. With slick conditions forming before snowplows could respond, roads quickly became impassable.

In southern Wisconsin, meteorologist Kevin Wagner noted, “It’s one of these systems that is going to be widespread snow and create some widespread impacts.” Predictions of 10 to 14 inches by Sunday morning added to concerns about the storm’s aftermath.

Authorities continued to advise travelers to limit unnecessary movement. Those stranded were urged to stay in their vehicles for safety while awaiting assistance. The National Weather Service remained vigilant in monitoring the storm’s progress, which was expected to move toward the Northeast, with potential for another round of snow.

As images of abandoned cars and snow-covered highways flooded social media, the warning to prepare for upcoming storms grew louder. For many caught in the chaos of that Saturday, the realization arrived too late. Patience with infrastructure and preparedness measures hung by a thread, as calls for more robust responses echoed in the aftermath.