United States Faces Massive Disruptions as Snowstorms and Flash Flooding Impact Travel Across Northeast, Great Lakes, and West Coast During Holiday Rush

Published on December 28, 2025

Unprecedented weather disruptions have paralyzed travel across the United States as powerful snowstorms and flash flooding hit the Northeast, Great Lakes, and West Coast, coinciding with the busy holiday season. These severe conditions have led to thousands of flight cancellations and delays, stranding travelers and creating chaos on the roads. The storms, which began with heavy snow on the East Coast and transitioned to flash floods and mudslides on the West Coast, have significantly impacted transportation, forcing states to declare emergencies and issue travel advisories. With the storm’s lingering effects, travelers face continuing uncertainty as they navigate through hazardous conditions and seek alternative routes.

Severe snowstorms have disrupted travel across the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, causing widespread flight cancellations and delays during the busy holiday rush between Christmas and New Year’s. The storm, which began on the night of Friday, December 22, continued through Saturday morning, heavily impacting both air and road travel. With thousands of holiday travelers heading to their destinations, these storms created havoc, significantly affecting flight schedules and travel conditions.

In New York City, the snowstorm dumped about 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) of snow overnight, just under the forecasted total. The storm left a trail of cancellations and delays at major airports, with over 1,500 flights grounded by Friday evening alone, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware. As the morning unfolded on Saturday, the snowstorm slowly started to ease, and the skies cleared, resulting in improved conditions both on the roads and in the air.

Airports in the region, including Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International, and LaGuardia, were among the hardest hit. These airports issued snow warnings on social media, alerting travelers to the possibility of further delays and cancellations due to the inclement weather. In addition to these disruptions, the National Weather Service issued travel advisories for hazardous conditions across the Northeast, extending from the Great Lakes through the northern mid-Atlantic and into southern New England. Travelers were warned about potential tree damage and power outages, which further complicated the travel chaos.

In New York City, teams of snow removal crews worked through the night in Times Square, clearing streets and sidewalks covered in snow and slush. With the streets cleared, pedestrians could walk safely in the area, though snow piles still made navigating the streets a challenge. Ahead of the storm, New York Governor Kathy Hochul had declared a state of emergency for more than half the state to ensure that necessary precautions were taken in preparation for the storm. New Jersey’s acting governor, Tahesha Way, also declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the severity of the situation in the neighboring state.

While the Northeast dealt with snowstorms, the West Coast faced entirely different weather challenges. California experienced powerful storms that caused flash flooding, mudslides, and widespread destruction. The storms, which had begun earlier in the week, led to significant damage, with at least four fatalities reported. One of the victims, a man found dead in a car partially submerged in water near Lancaster, was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The small mountain town of Wrightwood, located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles, was particularly hard-hit. There, roads were transformed into rushing rivers, and homes and vehicles were buried in debris. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue residents trapped in some of the worst-hit areas, as flash flooding and mudslides continued to wreak havoc.

Though the state is expected to experience a brief dry spell in the coming days, the respite will be short-lived. Forecasters predict the return of Santa Ana winds, which are expected to reach gusts of up to 60 mph (96 kph) in mountainous areas from Sunday night through Tuesday. These powerful winds could exacerbate the damage already done by uprooting trees that are saturated from the recent storms, potentially leading to more power outages across the state.

As the weather continues to bring extreme conditions to both coasts of the United States, travelers across the country are facing an uncertain and difficult journey. In addition to the thousands of canceled flights, roadways remain treacherous, with many travelers stranded or delayed as they try to navigate hazardous conditions. With the holiday season still in full swing, these disruptions are expected to continue causing ripple effects across the country, leaving travelers scrambling to find alternate routes and rebook canceled flights.

The storm system’s impacts aren’t confined to air travel alone. Major highways and interstates across the Northeast and Great Lakes regions have been closed temporarily, forcing drivers to seek alternate routes. In California, while officials work around the clock to clear debris and reopen roads, more heavy rain and gusty winds threaten to bring additional challenges in the days ahead.

As travelers continue to face these severe weather conditions, they are advised to check the status of their flights, allow extra time for travel, and be prepared for possible delays. The combination of snowstorms, flash floods, and high winds has proven to be a dangerous and difficult mix, and the full impact of these storms may continue to be felt for days to come.

Severe snowstorms and flash flooding have caused widespread travel chaos across the United States, disrupting the holiday season with thousands of flight delays and cancellations. As hazardous conditions continue, travelers face uncertainty and significant delays.

For now, both the East Coast and West Coast are bracing for additional storms in the coming days, as officials work to mitigate further damage and protect the safety of travelers and residents. With the end of the year drawing near, many are hoping for clearer skies and smoother travel conditions, but the storm’s lingering effects will likely keep the holiday season filled with uncertainty for many.