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Winter Storm "Winter 2025" Looms Over Thanksgiving Travel - What You Need to Know

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 7:51 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Winter Storm “Winter 2025” Looms Over Thanksgiving Travel – What You Need to Know

As Thanksgiving approaches, a massive winter storm—now dubbed “Winter 2025” by forecasters—has set its sights on the U.S., threatening to disrupt flights, highways, and holiday plans across the Midwest and Northeast. Travel & Leisure’s latest coverage pulls together data from the National Weather Service, airline and airport officials, and transportation agencies to give you a clear picture of how the storm could affect your trip and what you can do to stay safe and on schedule.

1. Storm Overview

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a “Winter Storm Warning” for large portions of the upper Midwest and the Northeastern corridor. The system is moving slowly across the Great Lakes region, bringing blowing snow, sleet, and freezing rain that could accumulate to a foot or more in some areas. Wind gusts of up to 45 mph are expected near the lake fringes, turning wind‑driven snow into a blizzard‑grade condition.

Key meteorological details:

The storm’s path is still being refined, but the consensus is that the central and eastern United States will see the most severe impacts.

2. Impact on Air Travel

Airlines and airports across the affected region are bracing for significant flight disruptions.

2.1. Flight Cancellations and Delays

• Delta Air Lines has announced that most of its flights out of Minneapolis‑Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) will be canceled or rescheduled on Thursday and Friday. Delta has also warned that the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) could see “severe” delays.

• United Airlines is working closely with the FAA to keep its hubs in Denver (DEN) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) operating, but passengers are advised to check status daily. United’s “Travel Safe” page has a dedicated section for Winter 2025 disruptions.

• American Airlines plans to maintain a “steady” schedule at Boston Logan (BOS) and Philadelphia International (PHL), but expects “potential delays” on flights arriving from the Midwest. American’s “Customer Service” center is on high alert for questions.

2.2. Airport Closures and Gate Reassignments

• Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) has already closed the south runway due to high winds, and it has shifted all arrivals to the north side.

• New York‑LaGuardia (LGA) is reducing gates by 20 % and will cancel all flights from regional carriers that are scheduled to depart during the peak storm window.

2.3. Tips for Passengers

• Check flight status early each morning. Airlines now provide a “Storm Tracker” feature on their websites and mobile apps, which shows real‑time flight movements.

• Be ready to rebook. Travel & Leisure notes that many airlines are offering “flexible change” options for free through the next 48 hours, especially on flights delayed due to weather.

• Arrive early. With the FAA expecting increased snow removal and de‑icing times, the first 30 minutes of the day may see a bottleneck at security checkpoints.

3. Ground Transportation Woes

While the storm will mainly wreak havoc on the air, highway travel is equally dangerous.

3.1. Major Toll Roads and Interstates

• I‑90 (Michigan): The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will close the toll plaza at Grand Rapids for the duration of the storm, directing traffic to an alternate route at I‑196.

• I‑80 (Ohio): OhioDOT has announced that the Cleveland toll bridge will shut down on Friday for “safety” reasons, with the bridge’s toll booths temporarily closed.

3.2. Rural Roads and Bridges

• In Wisconsin, the Fox River bridge near Appleton will be closed to light‑weight vehicles to prevent bridge stress from heavy, wind‑driven snow loads.

3.3. Public Transit and Ride‑Share

• The Metro Transit system in Minneapolis has reduced service on Friday night, with select bus lines rerouted to avoid the most affected corridors.

• Ride‑share apps (Uber, Lyft) are recommending that drivers wait for the storm to subside before accepting rides, citing safety concerns for both drivers and riders.

3.4. Practical Advice

• Plan for a two‑hour delay on any intercity bus trip.

• Use the “Travel Radar” tool available on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website to monitor real‑time traffic conditions.

• Keep a fully charged phone and a portable charger with you; cellular service can be spotty in remote areas during blizzards.

4. Safety Measures for Travelers

The article’s “Safety Checklist”—derived from the NWS and the American Red Cross—highlights:

• Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel, stay in the front seat and keep the windows at a slight angle for ventilation.

• Carry an emergency kit: blankets, water, non‑perishable food, a flashlight, a fully charged phone, a portable power bank, and a basic first‑aid kit.

• Stay informed: The NWS’s “Winter Weather Alerts” page offers real‑time updates. Also, set up a weather notification on your phone via the Weather Channel or AccuWeather.

5. Resources for Updated Information

Travel & Leisure includes a handy list of go‑to sites for the latest updates:

6. Bottom Line

While the “Winter 2025” storm promises to bring a winter wonderland to many states, the price of that magic will be delays, cancellations, and potentially dangerous driving conditions. Airlines are doing what they can—cancelling flights before they become hazardous, adjusting schedules on the fly, and offering flexible ticket options. Travelers, however, must stay proactive: keep an eye on flight status, be ready to change itineraries, and most importantly, prioritize safety over schedule. With the right preparation, your Thanksgiving plans can still go off without a hitch—or at least, with minimal disruption.