Wisconsin and Iowa Struggle to Recover from Winter Storm as Power Outages and Flight Disruptions Continue

Published on December 1, 2025

All across the Great Lakes and Midwest, thousands of people are without power and travel has come to a stop, due to the fierce winter storm that has crossed the region. Utility workers are aiding people without power due to downed power lines. Des Moines, Iowa is experiencing problems reopening the airport after a Delta Connection flight went off the runway, which is a part of the infrastructure in Iowa experiencing weather-related travel issues\, and ice covered runways. \n\nOur weekend storms caused extreme damage over the region. Great Lakes were dealt storms containing snow, ice, and strong winds. All of which put the Great Lakes over the weekend, as Well as other regions, in the states and travel conditions were pulled to the extreme. Emergency response teams are on 24-hour power control to counter the thousands of people affected in Outage.

Power Outages in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, utility company We Energies reported that more than 6,000 customers were left without power as a result of the storm, which hit particularly hard in Milwaukee and South Milwaukee. As of Sunday morning, crews had restored power to several areas, but many residents continued to face outages. The situation became even more dire for some when heavy, wet snow caused power lines to sag and fall, compounding the already difficult conditions.

One resident in Fredonia, Mark Paladino, shared his experience on social media, saying he was shoveling snow when his apartment complex suddenly lost power. “It’s been a challenge for sure,” Paladino said. “The snow came down quickly, and it’s been difficult to manage both the snow and the power loss.”

With temperatures remaining low and the snow continuing to fall, residents are being advised to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Local officials have warned that power restoration could take time, and crews are focused on addressing the most critical outages first. We Energies officials have urged residents to report any downed power lines immediately and remain at least 25 feet away from them for safety.

Flight Disruption in Iowa

In Iowa, the storm also caused significant disruptions at Des Moines International Airport. A Delta Connection flight from Detroit slid off an icy runway late Saturday night, prompting a temporary closure of the airport. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and passengers aboard the flight were safely transported to the terminal by bus. However, the closure of the airport on Sunday, a key travel day following the Thanksgiving holiday, added stress to an already challenging travel environment.

Authorities at the airport worked quickly to assess the damage and begin clearing the runway for reopening. The airport was expected to reopen later in the day, but travelers were urged to check with airlines for potential delays or cancellations. The storm’s icy conditions had caused numerous delays and cancellations across the region, further complicating travel plans for many.

As of Sunday afternoon, Des Moines airport officials confirmed that operations had resumed, though the runway conditions remained a concern for ongoing flights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also warned travelers about possible further delays at other airports across the region due to the weather.

Michigan and Beyond: Snowfall and Hazardous Conditions

The effects of the storm were also felt in Michigan, where hundreds of churches in western parts of the state advised worshippers to stay home or attend services online. Accumulations of up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of snow had fallen in areas close to Lake Michigan by Sunday morning, forcing authorities to issue travel advisories.

In addition to the snowfall, gusty winds were causing snow to blow back onto roads in Iowa, further deteriorating travel conditions. The National Weather Service warned that drivers should exercise extreme caution and be prepared for quickly changing conditions. Road closures and accidents were reported in several areas, and authorities advised against unnecessary travel, particularly in rural parts of the state.

The storm’s reach extended beyond the Midwest, as areas in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast were also expected to experience a mix of rain and snow. While significant snow accumulation was unlikely at lower elevations, higher elevations could see measurable snowfall, adding to the already difficult travel conditions in the region.

Restoration Efforts and Travel Tips

Utility and transportation agencies across Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan are working together to restore normalcy to the affected areas. Local governments are urging residents to stay informed through official channels, such as the National Weather Service and FEMA websites, which provide real-time updates and safety recommendations.

For travelers, the advice is clear: check flight statuses before heading to the airport, allow for extra travel time, and be prepared for possible delays or cancellations. Both FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials recommend travelers pack extra supplies, such as food, water, and medication, especially if traveling through affected areas.

As the storm continues to move eastward, emergency services are on high alert, and communities are urged to follow weather updates. In the coming days, local authorities will continue to assess the storm’s impact and work toward restoring services as quickly as possible.

Winter Storm’s Lasting Impact

The weekend storm that struck Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan has left its mark, with power outages, dangerous road conditions, and airport disruptions. While efforts to restore power and reopen transportation hubs are underway, the storm’s full impact will likely be felt for days to come. Residents and travelers are urged to stay informed through official government resources and to exercise caution as the winter weather continues to affect the region.

For the latest updates on power restoration efforts, travelers are encouraged to visit the We Energies website, while Des Moines International Airport provides real-time information on flight status and airport operations.