Chicago Joins Detroit in Struggling Through Post-Thanksgiving Winter Chaos—Thousands of Flights Cancelled and Travelers Left in the Cold!

Published on November 30, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

A powerful winter storm that swept across the U.S. in the days following Thanksgiving is wreaking havoc on holiday travel, with significant disruptions in air and ground transportation. The storm, which is impacting the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, has led to airport closures, flight delays, and hazardous travel conditions across major hubs such as Chicago, Detroit, and Des Moines. Travelers are facing uncertain journeys, as weather-related impacts continue to affect millions during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

What Is the Storm’s Impact on U.S. Travel?

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that the post-Thanksgiving winter storm is producing heavy snowfall and gusty winds across a wide area, affecting major U.S. cities. The storm’s reach extends from the Midwest to the western Great Lakes, with the worst conditions expected to last through early December. Snowfall accumulations range from 6 to 12 inches, with localized amounts exceeding 1 foot in some areas. In addition to snow, strong winds gusting up to 35 mph are causing blowing snow and reduced visibility, making travel even more treacherous. Blizzards are also a possibility, particularly in the region west of the Mississippi River.

This hazardous weather has resulted in widespread flight disruptions, airport closures, and road hazards. Government sources, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NWS, are advising travelers to reconsider or adjust their travel plans if possible, especially in areas facing the most severe weather conditions.

Who Is Affected by the Winter Storm?

Airports in some of the hardest-hit cities, including Chicago (ORD, MDW), Detroit (DTW), and Des Moines (DSM), are experiencing major operational challenges due to snow and high winds. Chicago, one of the busiest travel hubs in the U.S., is facing potential ground stops or delays starting at 6:00 AM CST on November 30. Meanwhile, Detroit’s airport was closed for nearly 7 hours on November 29 and remains under a ground stop advisory. Des Moines has been dealing with near-blizzard conditions and closed its airport temporarily on November 30.

In addition to these cities, other locations in the Midwest and Upper Midwest, including Minneapolis-St. Paul, Green Bay, and Milwaukee, are seeing disruptions due to the storm. Further east, travelers in areas like Cleveland, Ohio, and New York may also experience delays due to the residual effects of this major weather system.

Where Are the Most Significant Disruptions?

Cities in the Midwest and Great Lakes region are facing the worst disruptions. Chicago and Detroit, two of the largest U.S. air travel hubs, are experiencing severe weather-related delays. Other cities like Des Moines, Sioux Falls, and Rochester have already reported airport closures or restrictions. The NWS has issued winter storm warnings for these areas, advising travelers to stay off the roads and avoid air travel if possible. Many flights are being delayed or canceled, and travelers are advised to check the FAA’s real-time updates for the latest information on flight statuses.

Meanwhile, other affected cities like Minneapolis-St. Paul and Milwaukee are expected to see continued snow accumulation, while areas like Cleveland and New York may experience lingering disruptions due to snow and wind conditions. Travelers are also warned of hazardous road conditions due to blowing snow and ice.

What Are the Travel Impacts on the Ground?

Along with air travel disruptions, the storm is also making road travel perilous. The NWS is warning travelers to avoid non-essential travel in regions affected by heavy snow and ice. Ground access to airports like Chicago O’Hare and Detroit Metro has been impaired by snow accumulation, leading to longer travel times for those trying to reach their flights.

When Will Conditions Improve?

The storm is expected to persist through the evening of November 30, with conditions gradually improving into the start of December. However, travelers should anticipate lingering delays and disruptions well into early December, especially in areas where snow accumulation has been heavy. Wind chills are also expected to dip into the single digits, making outdoor exposure dangerous.

How Can Travelers Protect Themselves?

Travelers heading into or out of the affected areas should remain flexible with their travel plans. The FAA and TSA recommend checking flight statuses frequently and considering alternative routes if possible. Many airlines are offering flexible rebooking options for passengers affected by the storm’s disruptions. For those traveling by car, it’s important to check local road conditions and to ensure vehicles are equipped for winter driving.

Given the magnitude of the storm and the potential for ongoing disruptions, travelers should be prepared for delays and cancellations and stay informed by checking government sources such as the NWS, FAA, and TSA.

Travel Data: What Are the Numbers Telling Us?

While there is no direct government estimate on the number of travelers affected, TSA passenger screening data offers insight into the scale of disruption. From November 24 to November 27, TSA screening volumes fluctuated, with a noticeable drop on November 27, aligning with the peak of storm activity. On November 27, screenings fell dramatically to 1.5 million, reflecting the broader impact of weather disruptions on holiday travel volumes.

Conclusion

As the post-Thanksgiving winter storm continues to cause significant travel disruptions across the U.S., millions of travelers are facing delays, cancellations, and hazardous conditions. Chicago, Detroit, Des Moines, and many other Midwest cities are at the forefront of this storm, with air and ground transportation severely impacted. With conditions expected to persist into early December, travelers should remain flexible, monitor conditions closely, and take precautions to ensure their safety during the continued disruptions.