Washington Joins Chicago, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Other US Cities Facing Massive Setbacks This Thanksgiving Holiday with Multiple Flight Cancellations and Event Postpone Due to Cross-Country Winter Storm: Everything Travelers Need to Know

Published on November 29, 2025

Washington joins Chicago, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, and other U.S. cities facing massive setbacks this Thanksgiving holiday due to a cross-country winter storm. The storm has led to multiple flight cancellations and event postponements, disrupting travel plans nationwide. Heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and thunderstorms have created hazardous conditions, particularly at major airports like Chicago O’Hare, New York’s JFK, and Boston Logan. With the storm’s widespread impact, travelers are experiencing delays and cancellations, while several holiday events and parades have been either cancelled or postponed. This major disruption is making it a difficult holiday season for many across the U.S.

Winter Storm Disrupts Midwest and Northeast: Snow, Sleet, and Rain on the Way

A powerful winter storm is currently moving across the United States, causing significant disruptions in the Midwest and Northeast. The storm’s primary impacts are concentrated in the Midwest, where heavy snowfall is expected, particularly in eastern South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. Cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit are facing intense snow, strong winds, and whiteout conditions, which are making travel extremely dangerous. As the storm shifts eastward into the Northeast, a mix of snow, sleet, and rain is forecast, potentially causing major delays along the East Coast and into the I-95 corridor. Meanwhile, the South is grappling with severe thunderstorms, flash flood risks, and heavy rain. Travel conditions are worsening rapidly, with authorities advising the public to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for hazardous conditions.

City by City Breakdown

• Chicago — Expect heavy snow and blizzard‑like conditions: falling and blowing snow combined with strong winds can reduce visibility to near zero, causing “whiteout” conditions. Driving could become extremely dangerous or impossible; major roads and interstates may be closed or impassable.
• Milwaukee — Similar to Chicago, heavy snowfall and gusty winds could lead to reduced visibility, snowdrifts, and hazardous driving. Travel delays, road closures, and risks of vehicle accidents and stranded motorists are likely.
• Detroit — The combination of heavy snow, blowing snow, and possibly lake‑effect snow (depending on storm track) may create dangerous road conditions, risk of stranded vehicles, and likely disruptions to ground transportation.
• New York — As the storm shifts eastward, a mix of snow, sleet, rain, and possibly freezing rain can be expected — which may lead to icy roads, slippery sidewalks, and hazardous travel. Rain or freezing rain can also impact flights, airport operations, and lead to delays or cancellations.
• Boston — Similar to New York: precipitation may fall as rain, sleet, or snow; freezing conditions could lead to ice accumulation on roads and walkways, causing travel hazards and airport disruption during holiday travel.
• Philadelphia — With the storm’s eastward push, a mix of wintry precipitation (snow, sleet, freezing rain) and rain may hit, risking icy or flooded roads, dangerous driving conditions, and potential delays for commuters or holiday travelers.
• Washington, D.C. — As part of the East Coast corridor: while heavy snow may be less likely, rain and possibly sleet or freezing rain could lead to slick roads, reduced visibility, and hazardous travel — especially for holiday traffic.
• Oklahoma City — Though not typically a heavy‑snow region, if the storm brings severe thunderstorms, freezing rain, or strong winds farther south, there could be heavy rain, localized flooding, poor road conditions, and travel delays.
• Dallas — Similar risk: heavy rain or winter precipitation may cause hazardous road conditions, possible flooding or ice on surfaces — complicating holiday travel for those driving or flying out.
• New Orleans — While heavy snow is unlikely, severe weather tied to the broader storm system (rain, thunderstorms, heavy winds) could lead to flooding, travel delays, and disruptions for holiday‑weekend traffic.

Why these disruptions align with what Weather.gov warns

• According to the NWS, heavy snow and blizzard conditions (snow + blowing snow + high winds) can reduce visibility to less than a quarter‑mile for hours, making driving “difficult or impossible.”
• Winter storms often “immobilize regions,” closing roads, stranding commuters, shutting airports, cutting power lines, isolating homes, and hampering emergency services.
• Mixed precipitation — snow, sleet, freezing rain — especially in coastal or mid‑Atlantic and southern regions, can create icy roads and very slippery conditions, which are hazardous for holiday travel.

Expected Flight Disruptions Due to Winter Storm Over Thanksgiving Holiday

Flight cancellations and delays are expected due to the ongoing winter storm, as confirmed by the FAA and Evrimagaci, both highlighting significant impacts at major U.S. airports. The storm is bringing severe weather conditions, such as heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and thunderstorms, which are likely to affect travel through the Thanksgiving holiday.

These disruptions are primarily caused by severe weather conditions like snow, sleet, freezing rain, and thunderstorms, all of which are expected to impact major airports across the affected regions. Travelers are advised to check with airlines for real-time updates on flight statuses.

Known Parades / Events Cancelled or Postponed

Washington joins Chicago, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, and other US cities facing massive setbacks this Thanksgiving holiday due to a cross-country winter storm. The storm has led to multiple flight cancellations and event postponements, disrupting travel plans nationwide.

Conclusion

Washington joins Chicago, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, and other U.S. cities in facing massive setbacks this Thanksgiving holiday due to a cross-country winter storm. The storm has caused widespread flight cancellations and event postponements, severely disrupting travel plans nationwide. With hazardous conditions such as snow, sleet, and freezing rain affecting major airports and cities, travelers are facing significant delays. These disruptions highlight the challenges of holiday travel during extreme weather, urging travelers to stay informed and prepare for possible changes to their plans.