Minneapolis Joins Chicago, Detroit, Fargo, New York City, Buffalo, Portland and Most US Cities to Experience Hellish Arctic Cold Blast, Throttling American Year End Travel Scope, Threatens to Slow Down Tourism Economy

Published on December 28, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

A hellish Arctic cold blast is sweeping across the US, with Minneapolis joining cities like Chicago, Detroit, Fargo, New York City, Buffalo, and Portland to experience frigid temperatures, snow, and blizzard conditions that are set to disrupt American year-end travel. As this Arctic blast hits most US cities, it threatens to slow down the tourism economy and limit travel scope during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.

The Arctic cold blast is not just a weather event; it’s an economic disruptor, particularly for the tourism industry. As Minneapolis and its neighboring cities brace for the harsh cold, travelers across the Midwest, Northeast, and Great Lakes regions are facing delays, flight cancellations, and treacherous road conditions. These severe weather events are throttling American year-end travel, forcing many to reconsider their travel plans.

From New York City to Buffalo, the hellish Arctic cold is disrupting not just daily life, but the tourism economy as well. Tourists heading to major destinations across the US will have to adjust to slower travel and unpredictable weather, impacting bookings, events, and other tourism-driven activities. Travel And Tour World urges readers to continue reading this story to learn how this Arctic cold blast could reshape tourism patterns and what it means for the US economy during this critical period.

Arctic Cold Surge to Hit Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast Behind Bomb Cyclone

A fierce bomb cyclone is set to bring an arctic cold surge to much of the central and eastern United States, including North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio, after hitting the Great Lakes and the Northeast. From December 28, the storm will carry freezing temperatures and strong winds, turning these regions into a winter wonderland and putting travelers at risk. This second storm in just days will cause blizzard conditions and icy roads, potentially triggering travel chaos, widespread flight delays, and power outages. Travelers should be aware of the intense cold as temperatures plunge, causing roads to freeze within hours.

Icy conditions will cause disruptions to highways, and airports in Chicago, New York City, Boston, and others are expected to face significant delays. As lake-effect snow intensifies, snow squalls will add more hazardous driving conditions. By New Year’s Day, these conditions will affect holiday travel plans across the region, forcing thousands of people to rethink their trips. The frigid air will dominate from the Upper Midwest to the Northeast, as gusty winds amplify the dangerous travel conditions.

Travel Chaos as Arctic Cold Hits Midwest and Northeast with Bomb Cyclone’s Impact

The bomb cyclone, predicted to bring powerful gusts and sub-zero temperatures, will lead to dangerous travel chaos in several US states. North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and New York will feel the brunt of the storm’s fury. A sudden temperature plunge, accompanied by snow, icy conditions, and strong winds, will wreak havoc across the region, with freezing rain adding to the chaos. The weather event is so extreme that snow squalls and blizzard-like conditions will last for hours, leaving drivers stranded and airport passengers delayed.

As the storm rapidly intensifies, blizzard conditions will impact major highways, including those in Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis. Gusty winds will make driving conditions especially treacherous, leading to poor visibility and slippery roads. From Thursday through Monday, widespread power outages are anticipated, further complicating recovery efforts for affected regions. This winter storm will be a serious test for emergency crews, as it leads to downed power lines, tree damage, and transportation disruptions. Be ready for severe disruptions if you’re traveling during this cold snap, as snow and winds from this system continue to push eastward.

Severe Weather and Power Outages from Bomb Cyclone to Affect Travel Across US

As the bomb cyclone makes its way eastward from the Midwest to the Northeast, the Arctic cold will bring snow, icy conditions, and harsh winds to Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and beyond. The storm’s intensification will cause strong gusts and freezing rain, resulting in blizzard conditions and dangerous travel situations. In the Upper Midwest, the temperature drop will be so severe that snow squalls will make driving nearly impossible. These extreme conditions will lead to major disruptions across highways, power outages, and massive flight delays at airports.

Travelers are being warned to avoid traveling during the worst of the storm, which is expected to bring freezing rain to Pennsylvania, New York, and New England. Ice accumulation will make roadways hazardous, causing dangerous driving conditions for both cars and trucks. By Monday, New York City will also see wind chill temperatures dropping significantly, with gusty winds exacerbating the cold. Travelers should be prepared for long delays and possible cancellations of flights, especially at New York City airports.

How the Bomb Cyclone’s Arctic Cold Surge Will Affect US Travel

The Arctic cold surge tied to the bomb cyclone will bring sub-zero temperatures, heavy snow, and dangerous winds across large portions of the US. After Sunday’s blizzard, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio will feel the worst of the storm, with wind gusts exceeding 40 mph. This will trigger blizzard conditions across the Great Lakes region, where visibility will drop to nearly zero, and snow accumulation will make roads treacherous. Icy conditions will also spread southward, reaching New York, Philadelphia, and Portland, leading to travel chaos across these areas.

Southern states like Atlanta and Houston, where the weather has been relatively warm, will experience a sharp drop in temperature, creating a shock to the system. Freezing rain could lead to hazardous conditions in these regions, especially during the first part of the storm’s passage. As the storm progresses, travelers should prepare for widespread delays at airports in Chicago, Detroit, New York City, and Boston.

Lake-Effect Snow and Snow Squalls in the Northeast and Midwest as Bomb Cyclone Hits

The lake-effect snow from this bomb cyclone will create blizzard-like conditions across the Great Lakes, while snow squalls will shift across parts of the Midwest and Northeast. The storm’s intense winds will cause snow to accumulate in areas like Minneapolis, Green Bay, and Detroit, making roads treacherous and causing dangerous travel delays. The snow squalls will likely create poor visibility and slippery conditions for travelers, especially in the Northeast and Upper Midwest.

The lake-effect snow will hit areas downwind of the Great Lakes from Monday to Wednesday, bringing additional snowfall and exacerbating travel disruptions. Parts of Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania will be hit with heavy snow and freezing rain. Travelers are warned to expect worsening conditions as the storm intensifies, with snow and high winds leading to widespread delays on the roads.

How to Prepare for Bomb Cyclone Travel Disruptions

Traveling during a bomb cyclone can be risky, so it’s important to be prepared for the severe weather expected in many parts of the US. If you plan to travel during the storm, make sure to check your flight status before heading to the airport. Airlines will likely face delays and cancellations due to snow and winds. Road conditions will also be dangerous, so avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel, make sure to pack extra supplies, such as blankets, water, and snacks, in case you get stuck in traffic or face delays.

For those planning to visit New York, Chicago, or Boston, prepare for wind chills and freezing temperatures. Dress warmly and make sure to check weather reports frequently. The snow squalls in the Northeast could also affect holiday plans, so be prepared to adjust your schedule and take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

Conclusion: Stay Safe Amid Bomb Cyclone and Arctic Cold Surge

The bomb cyclone hitting the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast will bring severe cold, blizzard conditions, and dangerous travel chaos to many parts of the US. With strong winds, lake-effect snow, and freezing rain, it’s crucial to plan ahead if you’re traveling in these areas. Expect flight delays, road closures, and power outages as the storm unfolds. For those affected, stay informed through weather alerts and take all necessary precautions to stay safe during the cold surge. The US will experience one of its harshest winter events of the season, and preparation will be key.