Weather winter storm warning as snow and wind snarl US travel

On November 27, 2025, a major weather winter storm warning remains in effect across large parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, just as Thanksgiving travel peaks. Heavy snow, strong winds and lake-effect bands are creating dangerous roads and airport delays for millions trying to get to or from holiday gatherings.

AAA estimates about 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles between November 25 and December 1, setting a new Thanksgiving record and amplifying the impact of the storms. Early in the week, a live tracker reported more than 1,500 flight delays and dozens of cancellations across the United States, with forecasters warning totals could climb above 2,000 as the storm peaks.

Heavy snow and lake-effect bands drive the latest weather winter storm warning

The National Weather Service says a powerful low-pressure system has moved from the northern Plains into the Upper Great Lakes, producing widespread snow, gusty winds and whiteout conditions. Winter storm warnings and advisories stretch across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, while lake-effect snow warnings are in place for parts of New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Forecasters warn that in some snowbelt zones, travel may become “dangerous or impossible.”

In Minnesota, this is the first major winter storm of the season, and it hit directly into the Thanksgiving rush. The Twin Cities fell under a winter storm warning, with 3 to 6 inches of snow and 45 mph gusts prompting spinouts and a rash of crashes on key interstates; Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport officially measured just over 3 inches. A no-travel advisory that briefly covered west-central Minnesota has been lifted, but transportation officials still warn of icy patches, blowing snow and bitter wind chills for anyone on the roads.

Wisconsin and Michigan are bearing the brunt of the snow. Forecasters say parts of northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula could see 1 to 3 feet of accumulation, with some cities near the state line at risk of more than 30 inches and wind gusts over 50 mph. In Michigan, winter storm warnings and blizzard alerts cover counties from the Lake Michigan shore to the Keweenaw Peninsula, where lake-effect bands could drop 17 to 30 inches of snow and have already knocked out power for tens of thousands of customers.

The eastern Great Lakes are next in line as colder air pours over the relatively warm water. Lake-effect snow warnings are posted along the shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario, with heavy snow and gusty winds expected from northeast Ohio into Pennsylvania and western New York through Friday. Buffalo faces overlapping hazards, including a Winter Weather Advisory, lakeshore flooding risk and strong winds that could push totals toward a foot and a half in the most persistent bands.

Even where snow is limited, the storm is making Thanksgiving feel harsher. A polar vortex setup is bringing a 40–50% chance of below-normal temperatures across much of the Midwest, including Northeast Ohio, with wind chills plunging well below freezing through the weekend. Along parts of the East Coast, a strong cold front is drenching travelers in rain and gusty winds, especially around New Jersey and the I-95 corridor, while most of the South battles cold rain and scattered thunderstorms rather than severe tornado outbreaks.

Travel impact hits flights, highways and holiday events

AAA’s latest outlook projects about 82 million travelers in total, with nearly 90% driving, roughly 6 million flying and millions more using buses, trains or cruises. That sheer volume means even modest weather delays can ripple through the system, turning routine slowdowns into full-day disruptions at airports and on interstates.

Air travel is already under strain. Newsweek’s live winter storm blog reports winter weather alerts across eight states, with snow and high winds slowing operations at major hubs such as Chicago O’Hare and Minneapolis–St. Paul, and more than 1,500 delays and around 50 cancellations by midday Wednesday according to FlightAware. Local reports from Texas and other regions show more than 1,000 delays nationwide, while airlines brace for a record 31 million passengers over the full November 21 to December 1 window.

On the roads, conditions range from wet but windy to outright dangerous. In Minnesota and the Dakotas, troopers have responded to numerous rollovers and jackknifed trucks on snow-covered highways, and earlier “no travel” advisories underscored the risks of whiteout conditions. Around the Great Lakes, the Weather Service warns that snow-clogged roads, near-zero visibility and strong crosswinds could strand drivers, especially along exposed stretches of interstate and rural routes.

Thanksgiving traditions are also adjusting. Wind forecasts for New York City show gusts near 30 mph during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, close to the threshold that can force giant balloons lower to the ground, though meteorologists expect them to fly with extra caution. Across the country, outdoor turkey trots, football games and parades are proceeding, but organizers are urging people to bundle up and watch for slick spots and icy sidewalks.

Another winter storm is lining up for the trip home

Forecasters stress that this week’s weather winter storm warning is only the first part of the story. The National Weather Service and Weather Prediction Center expect a new storm to form over the Rockies on Friday and move through the northern Plains, upper Midwest and Great Lakes over the weekend, bringing another round of snow and strong winds to key travel corridors. Some areas in Iowa and the Corn Belt could pick up around 6 inches of additional snow, on top of what has already fallen.

Weather.com says Winter Storm Alston, which drove the initial burst of system snow, will leave behind persistent lake-effect bands into Thanksgiving Day. After that, Winter Storm Bellamy is expected to slide southeast, spreading snow into the northern Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes between Friday and Sunday. For travelers heading home, that means the return leg could be just as challenging as the trip out, especially for flights through Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis and for drivers crossing the snowbelts. {index=13}

How travelers can prepare for this weather winter storm warning

Holiday trips cannot always be postponed, but smart planning can reduce risk and stress. Officials and travel experts urge people to monitor forecasts carefully and stay flexible as the storm pattern evolves.

• Check the National Weather Service and your airline or railway app before leaving home, and sign up for real-time alerts on delays or gate changes.
• Build in extra time at airports, aiming to arrive at least three hours early for major hubs during the Thanksgiving rush.
• Keep medications, chargers, important documents, snacks and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your checked bag is delayed.
• If you drive, top off your fuel, check your battery and tire pressure, and carry a winter kit with a blanket, water, food, a scraper, a small shovel and a phone charger.
• Be ready to delay or reroute if local authorities issue new travel advisories, and never drive into whiteout conditions or flooded roads.

As the holiday unfolds, the combination of record travel and a far-reaching weather winter storm warning is testing airports, highways and local services across the United States. The worst conditions are focused on the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, but cold wind and rain are touching almost every region. Travelers who stay informed, pack smart and adjust their plans quickly will have the best chance of safely navigating Thanksgiving 2025 and the storms still to come.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Where are weather winter storm warnings in effect today?

Winter storm and blizzard warnings are concentrated in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, especially near the Great Lakes. Lake-effect snow warnings also cover parts of New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, with additional advisories in several Plains and Rocky Mountain states. Always check local National Weather Service alerts for the latest county-level details.

Q2: How much snow is expected from the Thanksgiving 2025 storm?

Many areas in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes are forecast to see 6 to 12 inches of snow. In narrow lake-effect bands and higher terrain of northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, totals could reach 1 to 3 feet, with some local spots topping 30 inches. Lower elevations and urban areas will see less, but still enough to cause slick roads and slow travel.

Q3: Which US airports are seeing the worst Thanksgiving weather delays?

Live trackers show Chicago O’Hare and Minneapolis–St. Paul among the hardest-hit hubs, with hundreds of delays tied to snow and wind. Other Midwest and Great Lakes airports, plus some East Coast and Texas hubs, are seeing knock-on disruptions as aircraft and crews fall behind schedule. Conditions can change quickly, so always confirm status before leaving for the airport.

Q4: Will the trip home after Thanksgiving face another winter storm?

Yes, forecasters expect a new storm to develop over the Rockies on Friday and then move into the Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes over the weekend. This system, named Winter Storm Bellamy, could bring fresh snow and wind to many of the same corridors affected now. Travelers returning Friday through Sunday should plan for more delays and watch for updated advisories.

Q5: How can drivers stay safe if they must travel during a winter storm?

Slow down, increase following distance and keep your headlights on, even during the day. Carry a winter emergency kit and let someone know your route and arrival time. If conditions worsen to blizzard levels or officials urge no travel, the safest choice is to postpone or stop until visibility and road conditions improve.

References

Newsweek. (2025). Thanksgiving Winter Storm Live Tracker, 2,000 Flights Delayed, Up To 3 ft Of Snow Expected. November 26, 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). Great Lakes region preparing for bad weather as lake-effect snowfall ingredients begin mixing. November 27, 2025.

ABC News. (2025). Thanksgiving weather forecast: Where to expect travel delays. November 26, 2025.

AAA. (2025). Nearly 82 Million Americans Projected to Travel over Thanksgiving. November 17, 2025.

The Weather Channel. (2025). Where Snow and Wind Could Delay Travel Home. November 27, 2025.