New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Denver, and More Face Thanksgiving Travel Disruption Amid Snowstorms, Rain, and Severe Weather Across the US: New Updates You Need to Know

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Travelers already at their destinations this Thanksgiving are breathing a sigh of relief as a massive storm system wreaks havoc across the East Coast, causing delays and disruptions for those still in transit. This winter storm is sweeping through New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Denver, and other major cities, bringing snow, rain, and severe weather that has impacted millions of holiday plans.

Snow and Rain Hammer the East Coast

The National Weather Service is calling the storm a “dynamic mid-latitude cyclone,” delivering heavy snowfall to interior areas of the Northeast while pounding the I-95 corridor with relentless rain. Winter storm warnings are in place for central New England, where snow totals may surpass a foot in mountainous areas. Warmer valley regions, however, are expected to see lighter snow accumulation due to higher surface temperatures.

Snow has already piled up in parts of New York and Pennsylvania. Knox, NY, reported 8 inches of snow, and Pleasant Mount, PA, recorded 6 inches. Meanwhile, rain is drenching cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, making travel treacherous.

Air Travel Struggles Continue

Travel started relatively smoothly on Thanksgiving Eve but quickly unraveled as a storm in the Rockies brought heavy snow. Over 700 flights were delayed yesterday at Denver International Airport, with deicing operations slowing departures in both Denver and Salt Lake City.

Newark Liberty International Airport, a critical hub for United Airlines, faced 95-minute delays yesterday due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. Though these delays were resolved by Thursday morning, Newark still recorded over 400 delays yesterday and 20 delays as of 9 a.m. Thursday, according to FlightAware.

JFK Airport has not been spared, with six cancellations and 61 delays reported as of now. However, the reasons for these disruptions remain unclear, leaving frustrated travelers scrambling to adjust their plans.

Other major airports, including Boston, Atlanta, and JFK, continue to experience delays as Thanksgiving storms disrupt travel across the country. FlightAware’s Misery Map highlights widespread disruptions that show no signs of easing soon.

Severe Weather in the Southeast

While the Northeast contends with snow and rain, the Southeast is bracing for severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has warned of heightened risks from New Orleans to the Gulf Coast, with damaging winds and flash flooding likely. Thunderstorms are expected to intensify throughout the day, impacting travel and posing additional risks.

Packed Roads and Hazardous Conditions

AAA estimates a record 71.1 million people will drive for Thanksgiving, crowding highways already burdened by bad weather. Rain-soaked roads along the East Coast and snow-covered highways in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—where up to 8 inches of snow is expected—are creating dangerous conditions for drivers. Officials urge caution as the storm continues to batter key travel corridors.

Arctic Blast to Follow

As the storm subsides, a wave of Siberian air will plunge temperatures to the coldest levels of the season. Cities from Omaha to New York will experience highs 10–20 degrees below average, with daytime temperatures only reaching the 30s and 40s. Overnight lows will fall below freezing as far south as the Gulf Coast. Chicago will see overnight lows in the teens, while New York City braces for temperatures in the 20s.

What’s Next?

Travel chaos is expected to peak on Sunday, as 3 million travelers are projected to pass through TSA checkpoints. Whether on the road or in the skies, millions will face delays, icy conditions, and severe weather as they head home after Thanksgiving celebrations.