The first major winter snowstorm in 2025 could force cancelations of blood drives across the state.

Typically, winter is a month of downtime for blood donations at the American Red Cross, but several inches of snowfall are worsening the situation. Jayce Ustes, a Public Affairs Specialist at the Red Cross, says the non-profit could experience a trickle-down effect after the storm.

In addition to the storm, the Red Cross also noticed a downturn in donations due to an uptick in the flu.

The American Red Cross provides services to over 12 million Illinoians across 88 counties.