US Braces for Travel Woes as Freezing Fog and Winter Storms Disrupt Roads and Airports in Virginia, Illinois, Minnesota, Wyoming, North Carolina, and Beyond: New Update You Need to Know

Published on December 10, 2025

The U.S. is facing widespread travel disruptions as freezing fog and severe winter storms impact major roads and airports, particularly in states like Virginia, Illinois, Minnesota, Wyoming, and North Carolina. The weather is creating hazardous driving conditions with reduced visibility, black ice, and heavy snowfall, already causing delays and cancellations for over 4,000 flights. With freezing fog, snow, and strong winds combining, both air and road travel have become treacherous, prompting authorities to issue multiple warnings. As the storm continues throughout the week, travelers are urged to stay vigilant and plan accordingly.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued weather alerts across various U.S. regions, including Maryland, North Carolina, Washington D.C., and much of Virginia, due to the dangers of freezing fog and black ice. Drivers are warned that visibility could drop to as low as a quarter mile, making roads extremely hazardous. The swift formation of black ice adds to the peril, creating slick, unsafe conditions for anyone on the road. With these dangerous conditions set to continue, it’s crucial for travelers to remain cautious and keep informed.

These conditions are expected to persist throughout the day, with freezing fog continuing to affect the aforementioned states and others. The NWS has also issued winter storm warnings for areas in the West and Northwest, where snow, strong winds, and dangerously low temperatures have already been wreaking havoc. The states of Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Wyoming are currently under threat from these storms. Local authorities are urging residents to stay alert, particularly those in more rural and mountainous areas, where winter weather can quickly transform travel into a hazardous ordeal.

As of Sunday morning, air travel has already been significantly impacted, with over 4,000 flights experiencing delays across the U.S. and more than 550 cancellations reported by FlightAware. This has created major disruptions for travelers, with many flights grounded or rerouted. More than 18 million people across the U.S. are currently living in regions under winter weather alerts, and meteorologists are warning that the ongoing storm system, which initially moved through the Northwest, is now shifting toward the Midwest.

Heavy rain is expected to affect Oregon and Washington later on Sunday into Monday, adding to the already challenging weather conditions. This rainfall is likely to increase the risk of flooding, especially in Seattle and parts of Oregon. The National Water Center has issued warnings for “considerable flooding” in Seattle, where local authorities are advising residents to remain vigilant. Limited flooding is also anticipated in other parts of Oregon during the early to middle part of the week, further complicating conditions for travelers.

For those who must venture out, the NWS and local meteorological offices are urging extra caution. Despite the reduction in snowfall and wintry mix in some areas, many roads remain slick and snow-covered. Travelers are being reminded to allow extra time to reach their destinations, as conditions remain unsafe in many regions. The roads may improve slowly, but any accumulation of fresh snow or freezing fog could quickly make driving treacherous again.

Looking ahead, the situation is expected to worsen next weekend, with the NWS warning of a severe Arctic blast that could bring record-low temperatures to parts of the country. This cold front is predicted to make next weekend the coldest stretch of weather seen since February. In addition to frigid temperatures, significant snowfall is expected to blanket states such as Michigan, New York, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Heavy precipitation is also forecast for the Pacific Northwest, which could intensify the already severe conditions. This shift in weather is a reminder of how quickly conditions can change during the winter months, particularly as severe storms continue to affect large portions of the United States.

The U.S. is bracing for major travel disruptions as freezing fog and winter storms create hazardous conditions on roads and airports in Virginia, Illinois, Minnesota, Wyoming, North Carolina, and beyond, with widespread delays and cancellations already reported.

As the situation develops, the public is advised to stay informed by checking weather updates regularly and to make contingency plans in case travel becomes unsafe. Winter weather in the U.S. is notoriously unpredictable, and this current system serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that cold fronts and freezing fog can pose. Travelers should remain vigilant and take extra precautions to ensure their safety in the coming days.