Midwest Snowstorm Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel Across U.S./ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A powerful snowstorm blanketed parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes on Thanksgiving weekend, causing slowdowns and airport delays. Over 8 inches of snow fell in Iowa, with more expected in Chicago and nearby states. Another storm could bring snow and ice to the Northeast early next week.
Thanksgiving Travel Weather Quick Look
- Winter storm warnings stretch from Montana to Ohio
- Snowfall exceeded 8 inches in parts of Iowa
- Chicago, Indiana, and Michigan expected to get heavy snow
- St. Louis Airport reported hour-long delays Saturday morning
- No major delays yet at Chicago’s O’Hare or Midway
- Snow falling at 1+ inch per hour in some areas
- Roads in Iowa coated in snow, slowing travel
- Storm system moving southeast, bringing rain, thunderstorms to Texas, Louisiana, Missouri
- Northeast could see a new winter storm Monday–Tuesday
- Forecast includes freezing rain, ice, and snow for Appalachians & interior Northeast
Midwest Snowstorm Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel Across U.S.
Deep Look
Thanksgiving travelers across the Midwest were met with classic winter conditions as a powerful snowstorm swept across the region Saturday, delivering heavy snowfall and delays, with even more disruption expected in the coming days.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter storm warnings and advisories from Montana to Ohio, forecasting challenging conditions for both road and air travelers. Snowfall rates reached over 1 inch per hour, prompting safety warnings ahead of one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
By Saturday morning, northern Iowa had already received over 8 inches of snow, while similar totals were forecast for major metro areas like Chicago, Indianapolis, and Detroit. Travelers experienced slow-moving traffic on snow-covered roads, especially in states like Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.
Chicago’s airports, typically among the busiest in the U.S., had not reported significant delays as of Saturday morning, but St. Louis Lambert International Airport faced average delays of around an hour, according to FlightAware.com.
“The storm is widespread and could be dangerous, especially with snow falling at such a fast rate,” forecasters noted. However, the system did not yet meet blizzard criteria — which requires sustained winds of at least 35 mph, low visibility under a quarter-mile, and a duration of at least three hours.
While snow pounded the northern states, the cold front tied to the system moved south, triggering thunderstorms and heavy rain across Missouri, Louisiana, and Texas. The mix of rain, wind, and snow could create localized flooding and travel hazards, particularly in low-lying regions.
The storm’s reach may extend even further into next week, as meteorologists are tracking a second system expected to bring ice, sleet, and snow to the Appalachian Mountains and interior Northeast by Monday and Tuesday. Early models suggest a combination of freezing rain and heavy snowfall, raising the possibility of power outages and treacherous road conditions.
The weather disruption caps off a Thanksgiving week where millions took to the roads and skies despite high costs, with many relying on last-minute travel plans and online monitoring for weather updates.
Travelers heading home from the holiday weekend are advised to monitor local weather forecasts and prepare for delays, especially if traveling through the Midwest, Ohio Valley, or Northeastern U.S. early next week.
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