Montana, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio See Snow storm Havoc, Flights by SkyWest, Southwest, American and Envoy Air Disrupted: Here is What You Need to Know Before You Plan

Published on November 30, 2025

The United States is facing major disruptions in post-Thanksgiving travel due to a significant winter storm that has swept through the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. This storm, which started impacting travelers in late November 2025, has caused chaos in major travel hubs, including Chicago, Minneapolis, and St. Louis, where airports are experiencing delays, cancellations, and significant travel disruptions. As millions of people make their way back home after Thanksgiving festivities, the storm has forced travelers to alter plans and adjust to hazardous conditions across snow covered roads and icy conditions. Here’s a breakdown of how the storm has affected travel and tourism, with tips on how to navigate these disruptions.

Winter Chaos Hits Post-Thanksgiving Travel

Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods in the U.S., with millions of people traveling to family gatherings and holiday getaways. However, this year, a powerful winter storm has upended those plans, particularly for those heading through the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. From airport cancellations to slow-moving traffic, this storm has disrupted not only domestic and international flights but also the tourism sector, especially in major cities like Chicago and St. Louis, known for their holiday festivities and tourist attractions.

The storm, which dropped up to 12 inches of snow in some areas, has made it difficult for travelers to continue their journeys, leading to road closures and delays. Additionally, with temperatures plummeting and heavy snow expected to continue falling throughout the holiday weekend, travelers face a growing risk of additional delays and difficulties. The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued travel advisories for over 54 million people affected by the storm, with travelers being advised to stay home or prepare for lengthy delays if their journey cannot be postponed.

For tourism-dependent regions, this winter storm has significantly impacted local economies, especially in cities that rely on post-Thanksgiving tourism to boost their winter-season businesses. Cities like Chicago, which typically see an uptick in tourists during the holiday season, have experienced slowdowns in local businesses, attractions, and tourism services, with visitors unable to access the city’s popular sites like Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Navy Pier due to snowfall and traffic issues.

Key Destinations Affected by Winter Storms

Several key U.S. cities have been heavily impacted by the ongoing winter storm, creating a domino effect on the tourism and travel industry. Here’s a closer look at how major tourism destinations have been affected:

Chicago, Illinois: The Heart of the Midwest Struggles with Snow

• Airport Cancellations and Delays: According to recent data, more than 1,400 flights nationwide have been cancelled due to the storm — especially hitting the Upper Midwest. At Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), one of the hardest-hit hubs, at least 1,126 flights were cancelled on Saturday due to heavy snow accumulation and poor visibility. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) also saw hundreds of cancellations — around 216 as of the latest update. These cancellations have caused significant disruptions for travelers trying to return home after Thanksgiving. Airlines are scrambling to rebook passengers, and many flights have been delayed by hours.
• Tourism Impact: Popular tourist destinations, including Navy Pier and the John Hancock Center, saw a decline in foot traffic as tourists were deterred by snowstorms. Outdoor activities such as river tours and bike rentals were canceled, while restaurants and theaters in the Chicago Loop reported lower-than-expected foot traffic.
• Travel Safety Concerns: As the snow continued to fall, many visitors were forced to cancel sightseeing tours, and those who chose to brave the elements were advised to stay within indoor venues. City tours, including those to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum, were also impacted as snow and ice made travel dangerous.

St. Louis, Missouri: Delays and Dangerous Roads

• Airport Delays: St. Louis Lambert International Airport was also significantly impacted by the storm. Flight delays of up to an hour were reported due to poor visibility and ice on the runways. Travelers heading home after a family-filled Thanksgiving weekend were stranded as flight crews scrambled to keep up with snow accumulations and de-icing procedures.
• Local Tourism Impact: The storm had a direct impact on local tourism, as Downtown St. Louis and surrounding attractions, such as the Gateway Arch and the St. Louis Zoo, saw a decrease in visitors. Several outdoor attractions and events, including the Holiday Lights Festival in Forest Park, were delayed or canceled due to the inclement weather. As visitors were urged to avoid the roads, many local businesses, including restaurants and retail shops, reported lower-than-expected traffic during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Minneapolis, Minnesota: A Major Disruption to Winter Tourism

• Heavy Snowfall and Sports Delays: By November 29, Minneapolis saw more than 8 inches of snow accumulating overnight. As the snowstorm continued through the weekend, the city saw major disruptions not only to holiday travel but also to local sports events. For instance, the Ohio State vs. Michigan football game, one of the biggest games of the year, was delayed due to the snowstorm. The University of Minnesota also reported delays for their game with Wisconsin due to dangerous road conditions.
• Tourism Slowdown: Minnesota’s popular winter sports resorts were impacted, as travelers en route to skiing or snowboarding trips faced road closures and difficult travel conditions. While some winter activities, such as ice skating at Minneapolis’ Wells Fargo WinterSkate, still took place, many tourists were forced to reconsider their plans due to snow-covered roads.

The Toll on Thanksgiving Tourism

For millions of Americans, Thanksgiving is not just a time to reconnect with family and friends; it’s also a time for travel and exploring new destinations. Many travelers take advantage of the long weekend to explore winter destinations, attend special holiday events, or visit loved ones. However, the winter storm that struck during the busy post-Thanksgiving period has caused delays in many of these plans, leading to major disruptions in the tourism industry.

• Tourism Attractions: Popular attractions across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, such as Holiday Light Shows, Christmas Markets, and winter festivals, were affected by the storm. In Chicago, for example, the annual Christkindlmarket, a traditional German-style Christmas market, had to close early on some days due to weather-related concerns. Visitors who had planned to explore Chicago’s Magnificent Mile for shopping and sightseeing were instead met with road closures and frozen sidewalks.
• Hospitality Industry: Hotels in major tourist cities like Chicago and St. Louis reported booking cancellations, especially from travelers unable to reach their destinations. Although many hotels offered special rates to accommodate stranded travelers, the lack of clear weather forecasts left many unsure about whether it was safe to continue their trips.
• Airport Congestion: With more than 81.8 million people expected to travel during the Thanksgiving period, airport delays became the norm, as snowstorms caused severe congestion at major airports. Chicago and St. Louis were particularly affected by flight delays, with the potential for travelers to miss connecting flights due to weather-related disruptions.

What Travelers Should Know: Tips for Navigating Winter Storms

Given the severity of the storm and its impact on Thanksgiving travel, it is crucial for all travelers to take extra precautions when navigating snow and icy conditions:

• Stay Informed: Always check your flight status before heading to the airport. Use FlightAware or other reliable tracking services to get the latest updates on delays or cancellations.
• Prepare for Delays: Whether traveling by car or plane, plan for longer-than-usual travel times. Pack additional snacks, warm clothing, and entertainment to keep comfortable during long waiting periods.
• Drive Safely: Avoid driving if possible. If travel is necessary, ensure that your car is equipped with winter tires, and carry emergency supplies, including blankets, food, and water.
• Plan Ahead for Weather Disruptions: In areas like Chicago and Minneapolis, consider rescheduling your trip or opting for alternate travel routes if conditions become too dangerous.

Conclusion: Winter Storm’s Ongoing Impact on U.S. Travel and Tourism

The post-Thanksgiving storm continues to create chaos for millions of holiday travelers. From snow-covered roads to airport delays and tourism disruptions, this storm has made an already hectic travel season even more challenging. For those with winter getaways planned or heading to popular destinations like Chicago or St. Louis, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared. Despite the challenges, the holiday season still offers numerous tourist attractions and experiences once the weather clears up. Stay updated on local weather forecasts, be patient during airport delays, and always prioritize your safety when traveling in winter conditions.