Kansas Joins Nebraska, Ohio, New England, Iowa, Pennsylvania to Embrace Massive Winter Storms Creating Travel Chaos, Flight Delays Likely Through This Week

Published on December 1, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Kansas joins Nebraska, Ohio, New England, Iowa, and Pennsylvania to embrace massive winter storms creating travel chaos. These severe storms are expected to bring heavy snow and ice, significantly disrupting travel plans across the Midwest and Northeast. Kansas, along with Nebraska and Ohio, will experience intense snowfalls, while New England, Iowa, and Pennsylvania face a mix of rain and snow. As these states brace for impact, flight delays are likely through this week, affecting major hubs and creating widespread travel delays.

This storm system, bringing freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions, is set to challenge both road and air travel. With the chaos expected to continue, travel disruptions are unavoidable. Be prepared for a travel nightmare as these winter storms sweep through key regions, making it essential for travellers to monitor their plans closely. Don’t miss out on crucial updates about this massive winter storm impacting Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio, New England, Iowa, and Pennsylvania.

AccuWeather meteorologists warn of two major winter storms bringing hazardous travel conditions from the Midwest to the Northeast. These storms are expected to cause severe disruptions, including slippery roads, delayed flights, and icy conditions.

With snow and ice beginning from Friday evening through the weekend, travel will be challenging, particularly for those returning home after Thanksgiving. Governor Hochul’s initiative to support small businesses aligns with these weather disruptions, as holiday shopping and travel may be hindered across key areas. From the Great Lakes to the Plains, expect widespread snow and potential travel delays well into next week.

Snow, heavy rain, and potential thunderstorms may create hazardous conditions for thousands. The storm is expected to create flight delays and cancellations, especially in major hubs like Chicago and Minneapolis, impacting holiday travel plans.

Weekend Storm Expected to Disrupt Travel in the Midwest

Starting Friday evening, the Midwest and Great Lakes regions will experience significant snowfall, with areas from Iowa to Michigan expected to receive more than 6 inches of snow. This will cause major travel disruptions, particularly in cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Des Moines. Travel across highways and by air will be particularly difficult, with more than 1,000 flight cancellations predicted this weekend alone. The combination of snow, de-icing delays, and heavy snow on roads will impact thousands of holiday travellers. Meteorologists predict that conditions will worsen as the storm intensifies, creating a long weekend of disruptions for commuters and holidaymakers. Snow and icy roads will likely continue to affect travel even after the storm has passed, with temperatures staying below freezing. These travel issues could continue into Sunday, with slippery surfaces remaining untreated in many areas.

Flight Delays and Cancellations Expected at Major Airports

The winter storms are expected to cause widespread flight delays and cancellations. Cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, and St. Louis are at risk of significant air travel disruptions, as snow accumulates on runways and tarmacs, leading to de-icing delays and slow-moving operations. AccuWeather experts predict that airports could see hundreds of cancellations, causing ripple effects across the country. Travelers in these regions may face hours of delays, with conditions likely to worsen over the weekend. As snow and ice continue to accumulate, airports will struggle to keep up with demand for snow removal, increasing the likelihood of widespread disruptions. It is advisable for travellers to monitor their flight status closely and expect delays through the holiday weekend. The storm’s impact will not be isolated to the Midwest but will spread across the US, affecting both domestic and international flights.

Severe Weather and Stormy Conditions in the South

While snow is causing major issues in the north, the storm will also bring severe weather to parts of the southern United States. On Saturday, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit eastern Texas and western Louisiana, potentially causing flooding, hail, and damaging winds. These storms could lead to hazardous conditions on highways, slowing travel across the region. Dallas and Houston airports are also at risk of disruptions as severe weather impacts air travel. With the potential for tornadoes, drivers and travellers in these areas are advised to stay updated on the latest weather warnings. The storms are expected to intensify on Saturday, with conditions likely to worsen before improving. If you’re travelling through these regions, it’s crucial to check weather reports and flight statuses regularly.

Travel Issues to Continue into Sunday with Rain and Fog

As the storm moves eastward, rain and fog are expected to affect travel from New England down to the Southeast. Major highways, including Interstate 95, will be impacted, with fog reducing visibility and slowing traffic. Cities from New York and Philadelphia to Atlanta will likely experience rainy conditions that could further hinder travel. Although snow will have the most significant impact across the Midwest, the rain and fog from the storm will still cause significant delays and disruptions along the East Coast. Drivers should prepare for low visibility and slick conditions on roads, while air travellers can expect some delays due to weather-related impacts.

New Storm Emerges Early Next Week in the Northeast

As the first storm moves east, a new system will bring snow and ice to the Ozarks and Northeast regions from Monday to Tuesday. Areas like Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia will experience a mix of snow and rain. While New York and Philadelphia are expected to see primarily rain, there may be some wet snow mixed in, especially in the early morning hours. Snowfall totals of 1-3 inches are forecast across much of the Northeast, with some areas receiving up to 6 inches of snow. Meteorologists warn that this second storm could create additional travel challenges, particularly in New England, where snow is expected to accumulate faster. Drivers and travellers should anticipate icy conditions on Monday and Tuesday as this storm moves through.

Cold Weather Expected to Follow the Storms

After the snowstorms move through, the coldest air of the season is expected to surge into the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast. Temperatures are likely to plummet, leading to further icy conditions and freezing temperatures. The cold snap could linger throughout the first week of December, keeping temperatures below freezing in many areas. This will contribute to continued hazardous travel conditions as roads, sidewalks, and airfields remain icy and slick. With the possibility of temperatures reaching record lows, travellers should prepare for extreme cold and plan for potential delays in both air and ground transport. The chill will also increase the need for heating and energy consumption across the region, adding to the pressure on local infrastructure during this already busy travel season.

Conclusion: Prepare for Travel Disruptions and Stormy Weather Ahead

The upcoming winter storms are expected to cause widespread travel disruptions from the Midwest to the Northeast, affecting both road and air travel. AccuWeather’s predictions suggest that the storms will bring heavy snow, ice, and severe weather, potentially causing flight cancellations, delays, and hazardous driving conditions. With snow accumulation, low visibility, and freezing temperatures, travellers should be prepared for delays and disruptions through the first week of December. Stay updated with weather alerts, flight status, and local advisories to avoid the worst impacts of these winter storms.