The Thanksgiving holiday, already bracing for record-breaking travel numbers, has encountered a significant disruption. A powerful storm descended upon the upper Midwest and Great Lakes, unleashing heavy snowfall – in some areas exceeding a foot – and forcing airlines to ground flights.
As of Saturday morning, over 1,000 flights had been canceled, and more than 2,200 were delayed, according to flight tracking data. The storm’s arrival marked a stark contrast to the previously smooth start to the holiday travel period, throwing thousands of travelers’ plans into uncertainty.
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport bore the brunt of the cancellations, with over 720 flights removed from the schedule – nearly a quarter of all departures and arrivals. Midway Airport in Chicago also experienced substantial disruptions, canceling around 15% of its flights.
The impact extended beyond Illinois. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport saw 15% of its Saturday flights canceled, while Eastern Iowa Airport near Cedar Rapids experienced even more severe cuts, with roughly half of all scheduled flights grounded.
Airports in Madison, Wisconsin, and Des Moines, Iowa, each reported approximately 20% of flights canceled. St. Louis, Omaha, Green Bay, Traverse City, and airports serving the Quad Cities and South Bend also faced significant winter weather-related disruptions.
While the storm system is forecast to move eastward on Sunday, potentially easing pressure on major air hubs, lingering effects are expected. Residual cancellations and operational resets could continue to impact travel throughout the Midwest and Great Lakes region.
Airlines responded by implementing flexible rebooking policies, allowing affected passengers to adjust their travel plans. Travelers are strongly advised to proactively check the status of their flights before venturing to the airport, as conditions remain fluid.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of holiday travel to unpredictable weather patterns. While the worst of the storm is expected to pass, the ripple effects will likely be felt by travelers for days to come.
