United States Plunged Into Thanksgiving Travel Crisis As Powerful Winter Storms, Heavy Snow, And Arctic Cold Leave Roads And Airports In Turmoil

Published on November 27, 2025

Thanksgiving travel in the United States is facing a major crisis this year due to a powerful combination of winter storms, freezing cold temperatures, and heavy snow. As millions of travelers head to their destinations, severe weather is expected to cause widespread disruptions, including flight delays, cancellations, and treacherous road conditions. The harsh conditions, particularly in the northern and central regions, are set to make travel challenging, with snow and ice creating dangerous travel hazards. Travelers are advised to brace for significant delays and prepare for the worst as the holiday season kicks off.

Thanksgiving travel could be significantly impacted by a combination of heavy rain, wintry storms, and a cold front sweeping across the United States. As millions of people head home for the holiday, the weather forecast predicts challenging conditions, particularly in the northern and central regions, which could lead to delays and hazardous travel.

Weather Forecast Overview

The weather conditions on Thanksgiving Day will be dominated by a cold front moving across much of the country, with a mix of rain, snow, and gusty winds stretching from the Great Lakes to the East Coast. The East Coast, in particular, is expected to experience a dramatic shift in temperatures. States like Delaware, which had been enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures in the lead-up to the holiday, will see a sharp drop as temperatures fall into the mid-30s Fahrenheit by Thanksgiving morning. Despite the chilly conditions, most of the region is expected to remain mostly sunny, though it will still feel cold.

Meanwhile, the northern and central U.S. will bear the brunt of a complex weather system, with snow, rain, and cold temperatures impacting large portions of the country. According to reports from weather outlets, regions in the Midwest, Great Lakes, and the upper Plains are expected to see heavy snow, particularly due to lake-effect snow. The sharp temperature drop will lead to below-freezing conditions, especially in the central and eastern parts of the U.S.

Severe Snow and Blizzard Conditions

The Great Lakes region and parts of the Midwest will experience lake-effect snow, which can rapidly accumulate, leading to difficult travel conditions. Several inches of snow are expected across major highways like Interstates 81, 90, and 196, especially within the heaviest snow bands. These snow showers will drastically reduce visibility, making driving hazardous. In addition, the weather will cause the temperature to drop into the 20s and 30s, making roads icy and dangerous.

In areas like Minnesota and northern Michigan, weather experts are warning of substantial blowing and drifting snow, which could severely disrupt travel. A blizzard is even expected to develop near Lake Superior, leading to dangerous conditions and a possible shutdown of some routes. The combination of snow and wind could create white-out conditions that would make it nearly impossible for drivers to see, further complicating travel for those hoping to make their way to family gatherings.

Conditions in the South and Southwest

While the northern and central U.S. brace for winter weather, the South and Southwest are expected to experience milder conditions. These areas may see clear skies and rain-free weather, offering a welcome contrast to the snow and ice expected in other parts of the country. However, there will still be some weather-related challenges in these regions. Wind-driven rain could make driving difficult, especially in southern coastal areas, while the Pacific Northwest may face snow in the mountains, creating travel hazards for motorists in the higher elevations.

Travel Delays and Warnings

As Thanksgiving approaches, flight delays and cancellations are becoming more frequent due to the winter storm, particularly in the Upper Midwest. According to FlightAware, over 1,100 flights were delayed or disrupted across the U.S. by Wednesday morning, and the situation is expected to worsen as the storm progresses. Cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Cleveland are expected to experience significant weather-related delays, especially on Thanksgiving Eve, as travelers make their way to their destinations.

The National Weather Service has issued travel-weather warnings for these regions, urging people to prepare for slippery, snow-covered roads in the Midwest and rain-driven winds in the South. These conditions are likely to cause delays and potentially dangerous situations for motorists and travelers trying to navigate the streets and highways. In addition, mountain snow hazards in the Pacific Northwest will make travel difficult in these areas, especially for those traveling by car or truck.

The combination of heavy rain, snow, and a sweeping cold wave is set to make this year’s Thanksgiving travel season more challenging than usual. With wintry conditions expected to disrupt flights and road travel, many travelers may face delays or cancellations as they try to reach their destinations. Those traveling through the northern and central U.S. should prepare for snow, cold temperatures, and icy roads, while those in the South and Southwest should expect milder, but still potentially rainy, weather. Travelers should monitor weather updates closely and plan accordingly to avoid being caught in the worst of the holiday weather.