On November 26, 2025, millions of Americans woke up to a Thanksgiving travel season defined not by the aroma of roasting turkey, but by the roar of winter storms barreling across the country. With back-to-back systems sweeping the United States on one of the busiest travel days of the year, travelers found themselves at the mercy of nature—and, increasingly, at the mercy of airline schedules and insurance policies.
According to live updates from NOAA and The Weather Channel, the day began with rapidly expanding winter storm warnings and blizzard alerts stretching from the Great Lakes through the Upper Midwest. New storm maps showed snow zones engulfing key travel corridors, and the National Weather Service (NWS) placed more than five million people under winter storm and blizzard warnings. For those planning to hit the road or catch a flight, the message was clear: expect delays, disruptions, and plenty of uncertainty.
Major hubs like Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, New York, and Boston were especially hard-hit. Airport delays mounted at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), New York’s JFK and LaGuardia (JFK/LGA), and Boston Logan (BOS), with inbound flights stacking up in holding patterns and departures pushed back by hours. The worst impacts, according to NOAA forecasts, were expected between 6 AM and 2 PM Eastern Time—a window when millions of travelers traditionally set out for family gatherings.
On the ground, the situation was equally daunting. Heavy, wet snow blanketed I-90, I-75, and I-94 around Cleveland and Detroit, reducing visibility to near zero and turning highways into treacherous obstacle courses. According to reporting from CNN and The Weather Channel, lake-effect snow slammed northern Ohio and southeast Michigan, creating whiteout conditions and forcing drivers to crawl along at a snail’s pace. The rapid shift from rain to heavy snow left many motorists caught off guard, with some describing the conditions as "unpredictable and dangerous."
Power outages added another layer of complication. Consumers Energy in Michigan reported scattered outages as snow and high winds toppled trees and downed lines. Travelers were cautioned to monitor utility outage maps and seek out warming centers as the storm’s full force became evident.
Meanwhile, a sprawling rain-and-wind system pushed up the East Coast, disrupting travel from New Jersey to Massachusetts. Airports in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Boston braced for a surge in delays and cancellations. Passengers reported long lines at security, delayed departures, and bumpy, turbulent landings. Searches for “flight cancellations US” and “Thanksgiving airport delays” spiked as travelers anxiously refreshed airline apps and departure boards, hoping for a window of clear weather.
State-by-state, the disruption was widespread:
- Michigan: Heavy snow, whiteouts, and freezing wind led to delays at DTW and hazardous driving on I-75 and I-94.
- Ohio: Lake-effect snow and low visibility snarled Cleveland traffic and slowed movement on I-90 and I-480.
- Illinois: A mix of snow and rain with strong winds caused ORD delays and hazardous driving outside Chicago.
- New York: Rain, wind, and wet snow led to delays at JFK/LGA and messy conditions on upstate roads.
- Pennsylvania and New Jersey: Rain turning to wet snow inland, gusty coastal winds, and delays at EWR complicated travel.
- Massachusetts: Wind and rain battered Boston Logan and slowed ferry, rail, and road connections.
For travelers, the advice from officials and experts was consistent: check your flight status repeatedly, allow extra time at the airport, and keep essential items in your carry-on in case of an unexpected overnight stay. The Federal Aviation Administration urged passengers to monitor national airspace updates, as delays at one major hub could ripple across the entire network.
The storm’s timing was especially brutal, coming as millions of Americans took to the skies and highways for the Thanksgiving holiday. Temperatures in some states plunged 10–20°F below normal, raising the risk of icy roads and wind chills capable of causing frostbite. Heavy snow bands and strong winds produced whiteouts and hazardous crosswinds, particularly for high-profile vehicles. Meanwhile, rain and wind along the Mid-Atlantic and New England coast slowed traffic and disrupted flights, leaving travelers stranded or scrambling for alternatives.
In the face of these challenges, the financial risks of travel delays became painfully clear. According to InsureMyTrip’s analysis of Department of Transportation data for November and December 2024, travelers passing through airports like Newark Liberty International (EWR), San Francisco International (SFO), Palm Beach International (PBI), and Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) were among the most likely to experience delays. JetBlue Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Allegiant Air topped the list for disruption frequency, with major carriers like American, United, Delta, and Southwest also reporting above-average delays.
These disruptions aren’t just inconvenient—they’re costly. InsureMyTrip’s study emphasized that travel insurance can be a vital safeguard. Policies typically cover meals, lodging, and transportation during delays, as well as costs for missed tours, accommodations, or alternative flights due to cancellations. Coverage for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage helps offset out-of-pocket expenses, and medical or evacuation benefits protect against health emergencies. Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrades allow travelers to change plans without absorbing the full financial hit of a cancellation.
Typical claims during the holiday season range from $200 to $500 for short delays requiring overnight lodging, and $1,500 to $3,000 for major disruptions affecting multi-leg trips or international travel. Notably, travel insurance claims spike during periods of high congestion and severe weather—just like the Thanksgiving storm of 2025—demonstrating the significant financial risk posed by such unpredictable events.
Industry experts, including InsureMyTrip CEO Suzanne Morrow, advised travelers to plan ahead, stay flexible, and secure comprehensive coverage well before their trip. "Planning ahead, staying flexible, and securing comprehensive coverage allows travelers to focus on their journey rather than the financial uncertainty of delays or disruptions," Morrow noted. Purchasing travel insurance in advance, especially for peak travel periods, ensures maximum protection and peace of mind.
NOAA and the NWS continued to issue winter storm warnings and travel advisories throughout the day, urging travelers to check alerts frequently and monitor local forecasts. By late afternoon, forecasts predicted that weather conditions would gradually improve after Thanksgiving Day as the main storm system moved away and temperatures stabilized. The hope was that, for the return trip, most travelers would face easier conditions, though lingering delays were still possible.
As the sun set on Thanksgiving 2025, the story was about more than just turkey and football. It was a reminder of how quickly plans can be upended by nature—and how a little preparation, whether checking the latest storm maps or purchasing the right insurance, can make all the difference when the unexpected strikes.
