Winter Storm Disrupts Travel Across the U.S., With Buffalo, Chicago And Northeast Hit By Severe Storms

Published on December 30, 2025

The heavy winter storm has caused significant difficulties for travelers in the United States after the holiday season, with the busiest travel spots suffering from severe delays and dangerous situations. Buffalo, Chicago and other places in the Northeast have been affected by these weather patterns resulting in very thick snow, freezing rain and strong winds which turned the trip for millions into a risky adventure.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), winter storm warnings and high wind advisories were issued for over 11 million people across the Midwest and Northeast. The storm, which began over the weekend, dumped heavy snow and created whiteout conditions in several regions, leading to flight delays and road closures.

Widespread Disruptions in Buffalo and Chicago

Buffalo, New York, has been hit particularly hard by the winter storm. With wind gusts reaching up to 75 mph, visibility in some areas dropped to near zero, prompting warnings from local authorities for drivers to stay off the roads. The New York Department of Transportation urged residents to avoid travel, especially during the height of the storm.

In addition to the snow, lake-effect snow continues to pose a danger in the Buffalo region, where between 12 to 24 inches of snow, and isolated amounts up to 36 inches, are expected over the coming days. The winds caused major disruptions at Buffalo Airport, with several flights delayed and some even cancelled.

The storm has also affected the Chicago area, with wind gusts between 45 mph and 55 mph recorded on Sunday evening and Monday morning. As a result, several roadways have become treacherous due to the freezing temperatures and snow accumulation. The severe conditions, including icy roads and blizzard-like snowstorms, prompted travel advisories across the state of Illinois and into neighboring regions.

Tourism Destinations Affected by Winter Weather

The winter weather is particularly troubling for tourists, with several key tourist destinations and travel hubs being impacted by the ongoing storm. Popular winter travel spots such as Niagara Falls in New York, the Great Lakes regions, and ski resorts in the Northeast are facing difficulties as snow continues to accumulate and winds whip through the area.

Some of the major tourist destinations affected by the storm include:

• Niagara Falls, New York – Visitors planning to see the falls could face hazardous conditions with freezing temperatures and icy paths.
• The Adirondacks, New York – Popular ski resorts in this area are seeing snow accumulation that may lead to dangerous driving and limited visibility.
• Chicago’s Millennium Park – Visitors could be caught in high winds and snow squalls, causing possible delays for tours and outdoor events.
• Boston, Massachusetts – High winds and freezing rain have caused icy roads, creating a risk for visitors walking in the city’s historic areas.

For those in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, including parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maine, conditions are expected to worsen as icy roads continue to be a threat, with power outages and tree damage likely from the accumulation of ice.

Safety Protocols for Tourists and Travelers

Travel experts and local authorities are urging tourists to take extra precautions when travelling in these severe winter conditions. Here are a few key safety protocols to follow during winter storms:

1. Stay Informed: Tourists should check weather updates and warnings from the National Weather Service regularly to stay informed about changing conditions.
2. Avoid Travel in Storm Conditions: The NWS strongly recommends avoiding non-essential travel, particularly in areas with low visibility, heavy snow, or high winds.
3. Dress Warmly: If you must go outside, wear several layers of clothing, and make sure to cover all exposed skin. Wind chills can make it feel much colder than the actual temperature.
4. Use Caution on Ice: Walking on icy sidewalks or paths can lead to dangerous slips. Always use salt or sand on walkways to prevent accidents.
5. Keep Emergency Supplies: If you are driving, keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, water, snacks, and a flashlight, in case you become stranded.

Flight and Travel Delays Across the U.S.

As the storm continues to rage, travel disruptions are affecting air travel nationwide. On Sunday, over 10,000 flights were delayed, with many cancellations reported on Monday, particularly in major hubs such as New York City, Chicago, and Boston. On Monday alone, nearly 800 flights were cancelled, with travellers facing delays in accessing their destinations.

Tourists planning to travel by air are urged to check flight statuses with their airlines and prepare for potential disruptions, including longer wait times at airports. The NWS continues to advise passengers to consider rescheduling their trips if conditions worsen in their departure or arrival cities.

Wind Chill Makes Midwest and Northeast Brutally Cold

One of the most noticeable effects of the storm is the drop in temperatures, which have fluctuated dramatically in some areas. Columbus, Ohio, saw temperatures soar to 68°F on Sunday, only to plummet to a wind chill of 11°F by Monday. This dramatic temperature change, combined with high winds, has created dangerously cold conditions for travellers and locals alike.

The wind chill in places like Paducah, Kentucky, and Mount Vernon, Illinois, was recorded at near-zero temperatures, making it feel much colder than the actual air temperature. New York City, too, was under a wind advisory with gusts reaching up to 50 mph, and residents were urged to secure outdoor equipment and stay indoors during peak wind hours.

Winter Storm Continues to Impact Travel Plans

As the winter storm progresses, millions of people across the U.S. continue to face dangerous conditions, with significant delays, icy roads, and cold temperatures complicating travel plans. Tourists visiting cities like Buffalo, Chicago, and those in the Northeast should remain cautious, stay informed about weather conditions, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

With the storm expected to continue for the next few days, tourists planning to visit these affected regions should stay updated on the latest advisories from the National Weather Service and local authorities to navigate the hazardous winter conditions effectively.