Post-Thanksgiving storm to snarl travel for millions

CHICAGO, United States — A potent winter system sweeping from the northern Rockies to New England threatens to upend what is already one of the busiest travel stretches of the year. Chicago, a critical air and rail hub, sits squarely in the storm’s crosshairs, and forecasters warn that ripple effects could reach passengers across the country.

Wintry mix spans from Montana to New York

The National Weather Service (NWS) on Friday posted winter storm warnings and advisories from Montana’s mountain passes through the Great Lakes and into upstate New York. Meteorologists expect the heaviest snow bands to set up over the northern Plains and the Great Lakes before sliding into the Northeast late in the weekend. Up to 42 million residents along the storm’s track could feel direct impacts, according to NWS hazard maps. The agency cautions that snowfall totals of at least 12 inches are possible downwind of Lake Superior, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, while central New York state may also exceed the one-foot mark.

Chicago braced for 8–12 inches

Forecasters say Chicago could pick up 8–12 inches of snow—perhaps more if lake-enhanced bands form. That amount would be enough to snarl operations at O’Hare International Airport, the nation’s second-busiest hub, and Midway International Airport on the city’s Southwest Side. Strong winds, though expected to stay below the 35 mph threshold for official blizzard criteria, could still create dangerous visibility for drivers on Interstate 90 and other arterial routes. “Anybody headed out for Black Friday deals from Cleveland to upstate New York and into New England should plan for slick roads and reduced visibility,” meteorologist Andrew Kozak said during a CBS News Philadelphia broadcast.

Traffic volumes already at holiday records

Even before the storm appeared on radar, the American Automobile Association projected 81.8 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles over the Thanksgiving period, making 2025 the busiest season on record. Airlines for America, the trade association representing major U.S. carriers, estimated its members would carry 31 million passengers between last Friday and the upcoming Monday. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to screen more than 3 million fliers on Sunday alone. “We are projecting that the Sunday after Thanksgiving will be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history,” Adam Stahl said in a prepared statement.

Regional breakdown: What travelers can expect

Great Lakes and Upper Midwest

• Timing: Snow began in parts of Iowa and Illinois on Friday and is forecast to continue through Saturday night. • Accumulation: Six inches to one foot in west-central Illinois; potential for more in localized bands. • Airports: Chicago O’Hare, Chicago Midway and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County could see cascading delays as crews de-ice aircraft and clear runways. • Driving: Interstate corridors I-80, I-90 and I-94 likely to face intermittent closures or reduced speeds.

Northern Plains

• States affected: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota. • Conditions: Light to moderate snow tapering Saturday; winds below blizzard thresholds but enough to create drifting in open terrain. • Visibility: NWS warns of occasional whiteouts during Friday evening commutes.

Northeast and New England

• Arrival: Snow squalls may begin Friday night across interior sections; steadier snow pushes in late Saturday. • I-95 corridor: Mostly rain, sparing major East Coast airports from significant snowfall delays through Sunday. • Lake-effect zones: Northern Lower Michigan and western New York remain favored for 12 inches or more.

Pacific Northwest and Rockies

• Mixed bag: Lower elevations of Washington and Oregon see rain, while Cascade passes collect fresh snow. • Rockies turn: Snow diminishes Saturday, allowing mountain passes in Colorado and Wyoming to gradually improve before Sunday.

Cold snap follows the flakes

Below-average temperatures will sweep into the central and eastern United States once the system departs. Travelers planning post-holiday outdoor adventures should pack layers; overnight lows could dip well below freezing as far south as the mid-Atlantic.

Tips for Travelers

• Monitor your airline’s mobile app: Carriers frequently issue rebooking waivers when major weather events loom. Confirm flight status before leaving for the airport.
• Build extra buffer time: With TSA expecting more than 3 million screenings Sunday, arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three for international departures.
• Check road conditions in real time: Many state departments of transportation provide live highway cameras and incident maps. Have an alternate route planned.
• Pack an emergency kit: For those driving across the northern Plains or Great Lakes, include blankets, a small shovel, windshield de-icer and high-energy snacks.
• Mind the lake-effect zones: Heavy snow can develop quickly downwind of the Great Lakes even after the main system exits. Sudden whiteouts are common.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the storm last?

In the Midwest, snow is expected to wind down late Saturday night. The Northeast could see rain and snow linger into early Monday.

Will the I-95 corridor get snow?

Forecasters currently anticipate rain rather than significant snow along I-95 from Washington to Boston through the weekend.

What constitutes a blizzard warning?

The NWS issues a blizzard warning when sustained winds of at least 35 mph reduce visibilities below a quarter mile for three consecutive hours.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s mass exodus

By early Sunday, conditions should gradually brighten across the Midwest while rain replaces snow in many Northeast cities. Even with improving weather, packed airports and highways will challenge travelers. Build flexibility into plans, and keep devices charged for last-minute notifications. Whether you are departing Chicago, connecting through Denver or aiming for a cozy upstate New York cabin, patience and preparedness will be your best travel companions as the 42 million people under winter alerts navigate the post-Thanksgiving homeward rush.