Severe Weather Threatens US Travel: Arctic Blast, Flooding, and Mudslides Affect the Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest Causing Major Headaches for Travelers

Published on December 16, 2025

Travelers across the United States face unprecedented challenges this week as an Arctic air mass descends from Canada, pushing freezing temperatures into the Upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest. This weather system, which began on Saturday, brings with it dangerous wind chills, heavy snow, and widespread flooding. With conditions worsening by the hour, travelers are urged to stay informed and prepared for major disruptions.

In the Pacific Northwest, devastating floods have forced thousands to evacuate, while the Upper Midwest braces for extreme cold. The region has been pummeled by an atmospheric river, dumping more than a foot (30 cm) of rain in some areas, causing rivers to overflow and triggering mudslides. For those planning to travel to the Pacific Northwest or Northern U.S., the situation is particularly dire.

Floods and Mudslides Impact Travel in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is currently facing catastrophic flooding, which has inundated communities in Washington state, including areas near the Snoqualmie River. The floodwaters have reached historic levels, and many towns remain under evacuation orders. As water levels continue to rise, authorities are warning of more mudslides, levee failures, and structural damage. For travelers planning to visit Washington state, this is not a good time to travel.

On Thursday, residents like Eddie Wicks and his wife were forced to evacuate their home, located on a farm in Snoqualmie. The rising waters submerged their property much faster than they had ever experienced before, leading to dramatic rescue operations. Wicks, along with his family and animals, were rescued by boat after the waters transformed their field into a lake. The footage of this dramatic rescue has been widely shared, underscoring the danger faced by many in the region.

As of Sunday, officials are still advising people to stay away from flooded areas. The National Weather Service in Seattle noted that while the skies may clear momentarily, there is still a significant risk of additional rain, flooding, and high winds. Travelers are strongly urged to reconsider trips to the Pacific Northwest or delay their arrival until the situation improves.

Record Flooding in Washington and Evacuations Continue: What It Means for Travelers

In Snohomish County, the flooding has left many residents struggling to recover their belongings. In the town of Burlington, water levels have slowly started to recede, but the damage is significant. Argentina Dominguez, a resident in Burlington, shared that the floodwaters soaked her furniture, carpets, and personal items, making the cleanup process both emotionally and physically taxing. “We’re just trying to get everything off the floor so we can start over,” Dominguez said, highlighting the challenges that residents and businesses will face as they rebuild.

Governor Bob Ferguson expressed concern that the cleanup and recovery process would be both costly and time-consuming. He emphasized that emergency crews, local authorities, and communities must work together to clear the debris and restore normalcy. However, he acknowledged that these efforts would take considerable time, and the threat of further flooding could extend the recovery period.

For travelers, this means significant disruptions. Flights into Seattle and nearby airports are experiencing delays due to weather conditions, and many roads remain closed due to flooding and mudslides. Travelers heading to the Pacific Northwest are advised to keep updated on the latest weather conditions and flight status before making any decisions.

Arctic Cold Sets in: Dangerous Wind Chills and Travel Delays Expected in the Midwest

While the Pacific Northwest grapples with flooding, a separate weather system is impacting the Upper Midwest with Arctic temperatures. The cold air mass, which originated from Canada, swept into the region on Saturday, pushing temperatures well below freezing. Cities like Grand Forks, North Dakota, saw temperatures of -12°F (-24°C), with wind chills making it feel as cold as -33°F (-36°C).

Minneapolis and Chicago are experiencing their coldest temperatures of the season, with lows dropping to -15°F (-26°C) in Minneapolis and 1°F (-17°C) in Chicago. This Arctic blast is expected to continue pushing southward, affecting Southern states by Sunday night. The National Weather Service has issued cold weather advisories as far south as Alabama and Georgia, where temperatures are expected to dip below freezing.

Travelers heading to the Midwest are warned about dangerous wind chills, which can cause frostbite and hypothermia in minutes. Road conditions are also hazardous due to the combination of snow and ice. For anyone planning to visit or travel through the region, precautions should be taken to protect against the cold, including dressing in layers and avoiding prolonged exposure outdoors.

What Travelers Need to Know About the Ongoing Weather Chaos

As winter storms continue to impact travel across the U.S., travelers are urged to stay informed of the latest forecasts and adjust their plans accordingly. Here are key takeaways for anyone planning to travel:

• Flight Delays: Thousands of flights have been delayed or canceled due to the snow and freezing temperatures. Travelers should expect significant delays in the Northeast and Midwest, particularly at major airports like Seattle, Minneapolis, and Chicago.
• Dangerous Road Conditions: With snow, ice, and flooding affecting roads, it’s crucial for travelers to avoid unnecessary driving, especially in the Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest. Travel restrictions and closed highways are already in place.
• Mudslides and Flooding: The Pacific Northwest continues to face the threat of mudslides and levee failures, with more rain expected. Travelers should avoid the region or delay their visit until conditions improve.
• Arctic Conditions: The Arctic cold moving south will make travel extremely dangerous, particularly in states like North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Extreme cold warnings have been issued, and it’s vital for travelers to check weather advisories before heading out.

In conclusion, while the Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest are experiencing severe weather, travelers need to be vigilant and stay updated on the conditions. If possible, postpone or reroute your travel to avoid encountering dangerous conditions.