Post-Thanksgiving travel: Two storms are moving across the US, keeping about 46 million people under winter weather alerts from the northern Rockies to the Northeast. These systems are bringing cold temperatures, heavy snow, and dangerous roads, creating trouble for travellers after Thanksgiving week.
Nearly 82 million Americans are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home this week for Thanksgiving.
Winter storms to disrupt post-Thanksgiving travel across US
Heavy snow and gusty winds will lead to significant travel impacts across portions of the Plains and Midwest beginning this afternoon, carrying through Sunday morning. This will be a major winter storm for many with a large area seeing 6-12+ inches of snow over the next few days. pic.twitter.com/k3LlYqEDkN
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) November 28, 2025
Lake-effect snowfall is expected to continue in the Great Lakes region from Friday through early Saturday. According to the National Weather Service, snow squalls are predicted to bring abrupt, heavy snowfall and whiteout conditions in some areas of the interior Northeast.
According to FlightAware, by Friday afternoon, 50 flights had been canceled and over 2,200 flights in, to, or from the US had experienced delays. Over Thanksgiving, the storm has already dumped a lot of snow on the Plains and Great Lakes.
Early Friday reports showed – 22 inches in Presque Isle, Wisconsin, 21.5 inches in Alba, Michigan, 8.7 inches in Tupper Lake, New York, 8.1 inches in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and 7 inches in Elgin, Pennsylvania.
The forecasters predict that Saturday morning’s snow showers will lessen. Nonetheless, 1 to 3 inches of snow is predicted, and in some places, the total amount of snowfall could reach 1 to 2 feet. There may be an additional 10 to 20 inches in some areas downwind of Ontario and Lakes Erie. Traveling will be a little more challenging in cold winds of up to 35 mph.
Post Thanksgiving travel: Dangerous travel in the Midwest
On Friday morning, a different storm system formed over the High Plains, bringing snow from Montana to Nebraska. Strong winds and moderate to heavy snowfall are expected throughout the day due to the storm.
It will spread throughout the Midwest on Friday night as it passes over the Plains. In the lower Mississippi Valley, snow and a lot of rain are predicted. Cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, Des Moines, St. Louis, and Kansas City, Missouri, are known to have hazardous travel conditions.
Parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, northern Indiana, and Michigan will face difficult travel conditions on Saturday. Snow could fall at up to 1 inch per hour, with 30 mph winds, NBC reported.
There is a marginal risk of severe weather in Texas. Damaging winds and large hail are expected in areas such as Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Rain and thunderstorms are expected across the Southern Plains, with heavier rain near the western Gulf Coast.
Sunday weather outlook
On Sunday morning, rain will affect the Southeast while snow will persist over the Great Lakes and portions of the Appalachians.
Snowfall in the Northeast will primarily impact northern and interior New England. There will be chilly rain in Boston, New York, and Washington, DC, but the weather will improve for Monday morning’s commute.
Travel after Thanksgiving may be more difficult than before the holiday.
Safety advice for Travellers
- Avoid travel if possible during the storm.
- If urgent, drive slowly and leave enough space between vehicles.
- Be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.
- Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, especially on hills or curves.
- Make sure your car is winter-ready and in good working condition.