Thanksgiving Travel Faces Snowstorms, Wind, Flight Delays/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Millions of Thanksgiving travelers are facing delays and disruptions due to widespread winter storms, heavy snow, and high winds across the U.S. From blizzard warnings in the Midwest to wet weather on the East Coast, travel conditions are deteriorating. Airlines and drivers are making adjustments as severe weather complicates what’s expected to be a record-breaking travel week.
Thanksgiving Travel Disruption Quick Looks
- Up to 3 feet of snow forecast for Midwest
- Wind alerts issued for 52 million Americans
- Blizzard warnings in Wisconsin and Michigan
- Lake-effect snow to impact areas through Saturday
- Major delays at airports in Chicago and Minneapolis
- Over 630 U.S. flights delayed as of Wednesday morning
- Traffic jams seen near George Washington Bridge, NYC
- 73 million expected to travel by car this week
- Strong winds may impact Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
- Airlines prepare for busiest travel day of the year
Deep Look
Winter Storms, Heavy Winds Disrupt Record Thanksgiving Travel Week
Millions of Americans preparing to travel for Thanksgiving are now facing significant challenges due to volatile weather conditions sweeping across the country. On one of the busiest travel days of the year, strong winds, heavy snow, and blizzard-like conditions are causing widespread delays and safety concerns for both road and air travelers.
Forecasters report that up to two feet of snow could fall in the Upper Midwest, where blizzard warnings have been issued for parts of northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In addition, nearly 52 million people are currently under wind alerts stretching from the Plains through the Great Lakes and into the Appalachian region, including major metropolitan areas like Chicago and Detroit. Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 60 mph in some locations.
Lake-effect snow warnings are also in effect for areas downwind of lakes Erie and Ontario, where snowfall rates could reach up to two inches per hour. Some areas may receive as much as 20 inches of snow, making road conditions extremely hazardous. For northern regions of Wisconsin and Michigan, accumulations may climb to three feet by the weekend.
The Pacific Northwest isn’t spared either. Cities like Seattle and Portland are experiencing wet and snowy conditions, while the Eastern Seaboard is seeing showers and thunderstorms impact travel along the I-95 corridor.
These weather patterns are already taking a toll. Ground stops were issued at major transportation hubs, including Chicago O’Hare and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, due to snow and ice. According to FlightAware, over 630 domestic flights were delayed early Wednesday. In Atlanta on Tuesday, flights were briefly halted when a tornado scare forced the evacuation of an air traffic control tower.
On the roads, semitrucks have been reported sliding off highways in Minnesota, blocking traffic lanes. In North Dakota, icy conditions led to cars skidding off roadways. Early Wednesday saw significant gridlock leading into New York City, especially near the George Washington Bridge.
Despite these challenges, roughly 73 million people are expected to travel by car this Thanksgiving—a jump of about 1 million over last year. Some analysts believe that number could rise even further if weather concerns push travelers away from air travel, especially given flight disruptions and complications from a recent government shutdown.
Experts suggest that drivers who want to avoid the worst traffic should aim to travel before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m. Wednesday. The same travel windows apply to Sunday, which is expected to be another peak travel day as holiday-goers return home.
Meanwhile, attention is turning to New York City, where gusts of up to 35 mph could affect the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. High winds may force parade organizers to fly balloons at lower altitudes or make adjustments to ensure safety.
Airlines have been bracing for this week for months. American Airlines alone expects to operate over 81,000 flights over the holiday weekend—surpassing last year’s totals. Mark Ewing, the airline’s customer service director, told NBC News that they’ve prepared a detailed playbook for managing disruptions. “Weather’s coming. Execute the plan. Get customers back on track,” he said.
Despite delays and stormy forecasts, many travelers remain optimistic. Passengers at major airports expressed patience and a shared hope that flights would resume smoothly once conditions improve.
Fortunately, there is some relief in sight. Meteorologists predict that weather conditions will ease by Thursday for most of the country. While lingering showers may continue in the Pacific Northwest and lake-effect snow remains a concern around the Great Lakes, much of the U.S. is expected to see clearer skies for Thanksgiving Day itself.
Still, with millions on the move and the potential for additional weather surprises, transportation agencies and travelers alike are on high alert. Officials continue to urge caution on the roads and patience at the airports as the nation navigates one of its most challenging Thanksgiving travel periods in recent memory.
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