Severe Weather Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel Plans Across the U.S.

Fri Dec 05 2025 05:38:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As travelers gear up for the Thanksgiving holiday, a significant winter storm brings heavy snow, rain, and dangerously cold temperatures impacting travel across several states.

Travelers preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend are warned of severe weather conditions including heavy snow and cold temperatures across the northern U.S. Winter storm warnings have been issued from Montana to New York, with significant snowfall expected, particularly in Illinois and Iowa. Areas downwind of the Great Lakes are also bracing for snowfall, prompting advisories for hazardous driving conditions. The storm's impact is anticipated to stretch into the Midwest, with flash flooding risks in parts of the southern U.S. as temperatures remain well below normal.

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is expected to be challenging for travelers across the northern part of the U.S., with forecasts predicting substantial snowfall, rain, and cold temperatures. Winter storm warnings were issued, encompassing states from Montana to New York, and heavy snow is anticipated to impact areas considerably, especially in Iowa and Illinois.

According to the National Weather Service, parts of west-central Illinois could see accumulations between six inches to a foot of snow from Friday night through Saturday night. While the conditions are severe, they currently do not meet blizzard warning criteria.

This latest storm follows a pattern of severe weather that has already brought snow to the northern Plains and Great Lakes regions. Areas to the downwind of Lake Superior in Michigan and sections of New York could receive significant snowfall, leading to hazardous conditions.

As traveling conditions deteriorate, the possibility of snow squalls has risen, creating sudden bursts of intense snowfall and poor visibility across the interior Northeast. Drivers are advised to exercise caution on the roads.

Meanwhile, across the Pacific Northwest and Rockies, a mixture of snow and rain is expected today, tapering off into Saturday. However, the Midwest will continue to experience snowfall, complicating travel plans further.

To the south, heavy storms may lead to flash flooding, particularly in the western Gulf Coast region. As temperatures continue to remain significantly below average across the eastern and central U.S., the weather is expected to hinder Thanksgiving festivities and travel.