Major Winter Storm Slams the U.S. Ahead of Thanksgiving: Blizzard Conditions, Strong Winds, and Travel Chaos
52 Million Under Wind Alerts Across the Country
A powerful early-season winter storm is sweeping across large portions of the United States as millions hit the roads and skies ahead of Thanksgiving.
More than 52 million people are under wind alerts stretching from the Plains to the Great Lakes and into the Appalachians, with gusts expected to reach 60 mph in major cities including Chicago and Detroit.
Up to 3 Feet of Snow in the Upper Midwest
The Upper Midwest is bracing for 2 to 3 feet of snow, especially in northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Areas east of Lakes Erie and Ontario are under lake-effect snow warnings, where totals may reach 20 inches.
Blizzard Conditions Developing Through Saturday
Blizzard warnings are in effect for 13 million people.
As cold arctic air pours in behind the system, heavy snow and wind gusts over 30 mph will create white-out conditions and make travel nearly impossible through Saturday.
Rain, Snow, and Storms Hit the Northeast and Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest — including Seattle and Portland — is dealing with rain and mountain snow.
Along the I-95 corridor, cities from D.C. to Boston are facing rain and storms before temperatures drop sharply Wednesday night behind a powerful cold front.
Thanksgiving travel
A powerful winter storm is slamming the U.S. ahead of Thanksgiving, bringing blizzard conditions, up to 3 feet of snow, 60 mph wind gusts, hazardous travel, flight delays, and widespread road closures across the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast.
Thanksgiving in New York: Macy’s Parade May Be Impacted
Winds up to 35 mph may force the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons to fly lower than usual in New York City.
Freeze Conditions Reach Deep Into the South
By Friday morning, a surge of polar air will push temperatures down to the freezing mark as far south as the Florida Panhandle, while New England stays slightly milder than average.
Out West, temperatures will remain above normal through the holiday.
Travel Turmoil: Roads Blocked and Flights Delayed
As the busiest travel period of the year begins, severe weather is already causing major disruptions:
- Semi-trucks slid off icy roads in Minnesota
- Cars crashed in North Dakota
- Traffic came to a standstill near the George Washington Bridge heading into NYC
- More than 2,300 U.S. flights were delayed Wednesday
- Ground stops hit Chicago O’Hare and Minneapolis–Saint Paul due to snow and ice
- Atlanta flights slowed dramatically after a tornado threat temporarily evacuated a control tower
Airlines — including American Airlines — warned that Wednesday would be their busiest travel day of the year, but the unpredictable weather is straining operations.
Best Time to Travel: Avoid Midday
Experts recommend:
- Wednesday: Travel before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
- Sunday: Same pattern — avoid the midday rush when millions return home.
Improvement Expected for Thanksgiving Day
Most of the country will see clearer skies on Thursday, except for:
- Rain in the Pacific Northwest
- Ongoing lake-effect snow around the Great Lakes
Despite the improvements, cold winds and lingering snow will still affect travel in several regions.