Travelers wait in security lines at the Pittsburgh International Airport on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 in Moon, Pennsylvania. Thanksgiving travelers were helped Tuesday by the favorable weather in most of the United States, but forecasters predict a major winter storm in the north of the country could wreak havoc on travelers returning home over the weekend.(Photo: Andrew Rush, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Newspaper, AP)

A big winter storm across the north Saturday night is expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds from the Rockies to the Central Plains and Great Lakes, creating headaches on major highways and major airports for returning vacationers. them.

The National Meteorological Service said the storm could create blizzard conditions, especially in the most affected areas.

"Dangerous travel conditions due to heavy snow and poor visibility should end the holiday weekend," the NWS said.

Strong winds and heavy snow are likely Sunday afternoon in Chicago, increasing the risk of flight delays and cancellations at the O & # 39; Hare International Airport, a major hub.

"The additional moisture mix of Lake Michigan, colder air and high winds can lead to a sail sail and a rapid build-up of snow in Chicago during the second half of the storm." , according to Steve Travis, meteorologist at AccuWeather.

Heavy snow could also cause delays for travelers entering and exiting Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh airports.

Forecasters announced Sunday blizzard-like conditions, from Topeka, Kansas, to Omaha, Nebraska, Des Moines, Iowa, and Madison, Wisconsin. From 3 to 6 inches of snow are likely from northern Kansas to Michigan, with up to 6 inches in some areas.

The storm, which is moving rapidly, is also expected to bring snow Monday in parts of northern New York State and northern New England.

As the winter storm crosses the northern states, it is expected to dive into the center of the Atlantic coast on Saturday, increasing the risk of light freezing rain over the central Appalachian as it moves into the northeast.

At the same time, the NWS expects the Caroline Depression to reach the north Atlantic Atlantic north Saturday night, following the New England coast on Sunday morning and bringing heavy rains.

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