United States Faces Travel Chaos as Historic Winter Storm Disrupts Major Highways, Airports, and Snowfall Records Set Across the Midwest and Great Lakes

Published on December 1, 2025

A powerful winter storm has swept across the United States, leaving a path of destruction from the Midwest to the Northeast. This unprecedented weather event has caused record snowfall, dangerous icy conditions, and significant travel disruptions, particularly during the post-Thanksgiving weekend. Major highways were shut down, resulting in catastrophic pileups, while airports faced widespread delays and cancellations. With snow accumulations surpassing 25 inches in some areas, the storm has crippled large portions of the country, and even as it weakens, another round of heavy snow is expected to impact the Northeast, continuing the widespread chaos.

A major winter storm took a heavy toll on travel across the country during the post-Thanksgiving weekend, bringing a foot or more of snow to several regions and causing major disruptions on highways and at airports. The storm swept through the Corn Belt, Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and parts of the Midwest, bringing treacherous conditions that stranded drivers, triggered accidents, and delayed flights. Even as the storm’s effects were felt, another significant snowstorm is on the horizon, expected to impact parts of the Northeast in the coming days.

The severe weather began on Saturday, with snow and ice rapidly spreading across the Midwest. A 50-vehicle pileup occurred on Interstate 70 in Terre Haute, Indiana, following deteriorating road conditions. The storm was to blame for several other accidents as well, with multiple tractor-trailers jackknifing on Interstate 65. In Minnesota, a state hard-hit by the storm, over 100 crashes and more than 120 spinouts were reported, as snow and ice made travel perilous. Authorities warned that conditions were expected to worsen in the coming days, urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel and stay updated on weather alerts.

As the storm pushed eastward, the snowfall totals continued to mount, especially in parts of Michigan. The region saw some of the heaviest accumulations, particularly in Bear Lake, Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, where more than 25 inches of snow fell. Much of this came from a combination of lake-effect snow, which was triggered by the colder air passing over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes. The lake-effect snowstorm that had begun days earlier continued throughout the weekend, adding to the already substantial snowfall. Traverse City, just an hour to the north, also recorded impressive snow totals as the storm intensified.

While the snowstorm affected many areas, it was not just the snow accumulation that caused trouble—it was also the freezing rain and ice that accumulated on roads, making driving hazardous. As the storm passed through, freezing rain affected much of the Midwest, creating slick, dangerous road conditions. Travelers were advised to use caution when driving on these icy roads, and many areas experienced power outages as well.

The snowstorm’s impact was also felt at the airports, where flight delays and cancellations became widespread. Major airports, including those in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit, reported significant disruptions as the storm brought heavy snow and low visibility. Hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled, stranding travelers as they attempted to return home after the holiday weekend. Airport staff worked around the clock to clear snow from runways and handle the large number of rebooked passengers, but the delays continued into Sunday, with no immediate end in sight.

The storm continued to produce lake-effect snow on Sunday, particularly around the Great Lakes region. Cold air that followed in the wake of the storm pushed southeast, continuing to dump additional snow across parts of Michigan, Ohio, and other states along the lakes. Snowfall totals were expected to climb throughout the day, as the system’s lingering effects kept road conditions dangerous for travelers. The snow was not only limited to the shores of the Great Lakes but spread to areas farther inland, with parts of the Midwest still grappling with blizzard-like conditions.

In addition to the travel disruptions, the storm also triggered concerns over safety. Emergency services were working tirelessly to respond to accidents and assist drivers who had become stranded in the snow. Authorities in Michigan and other affected areas called for patience, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.

Meanwhile, as this storm starts to weaken, attention is now shifting to the next weather system, which is forecast to bring more snow and ice to the Northeast. By early next week, parts of New York, New Jersey, and New England could experience significant snow accumulations, with forecasters predicting that this storm could be just as disruptive as its predecessor. Travelers in the Northeast are being urged to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions, especially along major highways and at airports.

As the winter storm season kicks off, it’s clear that the combination of snow, ice, and freezing rain will continue to pose a significant challenge for travelers and drivers. Authorities are advising everyone to stay up to date with the latest weather reports, pack emergency kits when traveling, and remain cautious on the roads, particularly in areas known for lake-effect snow and icy conditions.

The storm, which has already caused significant travel chaos and accidents, serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter weather and its ability to disrupt everyday life. While many travelers were prepared for snow, the scale and intensity of the storm caught some off guard, with emergency services working overtime to clear roads and assist stranded drivers. With the possibility of more snowstorms in the coming weeks, travelers should remain vigilant and make plans to adjust travel schedules if necessary to avoid dangerous conditions.

A powerful winter storm has unleashed record snowfall and dangerous conditions across the United States, causing major travel disruptions from the Midwest to the Northeast. With highways shut down and airports facing delays, the storm continues to wreak havoc as more snow is forecasted for the coming days.

As the winter weather continues, the effects of these storms will be felt across the country, with snow expected to accumulate in other parts of the Midwest and the Northeast, complicating travel plans for many.