US Thanksgiving Chaos: Coast-to-Coast Storm Disrupts Travel Plans for 82 Million People!

Published on November 24, 2025

A coast-to-coast storm is expected to bring significant disruptions to Thanksgiving travel plans for millions of Americans this week, with 82 million people projected to be affected by flight delays, hazardous road conditions, and severe weather. The storm will bring a combination of snow, rain, and severe thunderstorms, potentially making travel slow and dangerous, especially for those flying or driving to popular destinations.

Florida Panhandle Faces Storms Ahead of Thanksgiving

As travelers head to their destinations for the holiday, the Florida Panhandle is expected to see a series of severe storms ahead of Thanksgiving Day. The first round of storms is predicted to hit overnight on Monday, continuing into Tuesday morning. These storms, which are expected to bring a mix of damaging winds, large hail, and tornado threats, will primarily impact areas like Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties.

According to National Weather Service forecasts, these severe conditions will spread over parts of the Panhandle and could even affect areas closer to the Interstate 10 corridor. Travelers in these regions will need to remain vigilant, as isolated severe weather could cause dangerous conditions. The second wave of storms is expected to impact the region from Tuesday afternoon to evening, with additional threats of damaging wind gusts, hail, and the possibility of tornadoes.

Despite the stormy weather, Thanksgiving Day in the Florida Panhandle will be sunny and cooler than usual. Once the cold front moves through the area, temperatures will drop to below-normal levels, providing a calm, clear day for anyone in the region.

National Thanksgiving Travel Forecast: Impact of the Coast-to-Coast Storm

For those traveling outside the state of Florida, the storm’s impact will be felt across a broader stretch of the country. From Monday afternoon through Wednesday, AccuWeather forecasters are warning of snowfall in parts of the Midwest and Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which could make travel conditions treacherous. The South Central and Southeastern states are expected to see the worst of the storm’s effects, with the potential for severe weather that could cause major delays in areas like Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, Houston, and Minneapolis.

As the storm shifts eastward, Wednesday, typically one of the busiest travel days of the year, could see some of the fewest disruptions, but delays are still likely in major airport hubs such as Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland. A mix of rain and snow is forecast for the Great Lakes region, which is expected to coincide with heavy travel volumes as people head home for the holidays. This combination of factors raises the likelihood of weather-related delays for travelers.

Severe Weather in the Southeast: Tornado Threat and Delays Expected

As the storm continues its march across the country, Tuesday is predicted to bring severe weather to the South Central and Southeastern United States, with heavy rain and the potential for isolated tornadoes and strong winds. Areas along the I-10 corridor, including cities like Mobile, Pensacola, Destin, and Crestview, could experience the worst of the storm’s effects. These conditions are expected to create significant travel disruptions, particularly for those driving through the region.

Additionally, AccuWeather meteorologists predict that airports in the affected regions could face delays and cancellations as the storm disrupts both air travel and ground transportation. Travelers headed to or from these regions should monitor flight statuses and be prepared for potential cancellations or rerouted flights.

Thanksgiving Travel Surge: 82 Million Expected to Hit the Roads and Skies

This year, 81.8 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving, according to AAA. This marks a record number of travelers, with approximately 1.6 million more than the previous year. The vast majority of travelers, about 73.28 million, will be hitting the roads, so they will need to stay informed about potential hazards caused by the winter storm, such as slick roads and low visibility.

Over 6 million people are expected to fly during the Thanksgiving period, with Florida airports dominating the list of top destinations. Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa will all see significant traffic as holidaymakers head to popular vacation spots. As major hubs across the country are likely to experience weather delays, flying out of these Florida airports might also face disruptions due to storm impacts from the broader storm system.

Impact on Florida Panhandle’s Thanksgiving Weather

For travelers in the Florida Panhandle, the storms will begin on Monday night, carrying over into Tuesday morning. A strong cold front will push through the region, bringing cooler, drier weather. After the storm passes, temperatures in the region are expected to dip, with highs around 64°F, which is nearly 5°F below normal for the area. Low temperatures could reach 37°F, making for a chilly night in the region.

In areas further inland, such as Crestview and Jay, temperatures are expected to be even cooler, with highs around 61°F and lows dipping down to 33°F. These changes will offer a welcome relief from the unseasonably warm conditions seen earlier in the month and will provide a more typical winter feel for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Preparing for the Thanksgiving Travel Rush

With the potential for hazardous weather, travelers should be prepared for possible disruptions in their plans. Here are some key tips for ensuring a smoother Thanksgiving travel experience:

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather updates and flight statuses, particularly if traveling to or from regions likely to be impacted by the storm.
• Plan for Delays: If traveling by car, expect slower travel times, especially if driving through the Midwest or Southeast. For those flying, delays are possible, so it’s wise to leave extra time for airport check-in and security.
• Pack Warm Clothing: Even in typically warm areas like Florida, temperatures may drop, so bring layers to stay comfortable in cooler weather.
• Have a Backup Plan: With storms expected, it’s always good to have a backup route or alternative flight options if possible.

Conclusion: Navigating the Thanksgiving Storm

With 82 million people expected to travel for Thanksgiving, the coast-to-coast storm system will undoubtedly create challenges for many. However, by staying informed and being prepared, travelers can minimize disruptions and still enjoy their holiday celebrations. The Florida Panhandle will see some of the worst storms before Thanksgiving Day, but the weather will calm down by the time the holiday arrives, offering clear skies and cooler temperatures for those in the region.

As the storm progresses across the country, those heading to the Midwest, South, and Northeast should be prepared for some rough weather, including potential delays and hazardous driving conditions. With careful planning and an eye on the weather, travelers can make it to their Thanksgiving destinations safely.