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 cancel over 1,700 flights on Saturday alone.
The storm’s impact wasn’t limited to Saturday; cancellations began to ripple into Sunday, with more than 125 flights preemptively grounded. This sudden shift followed a period of remarkably calm travel conditions, leaving thousands scrambling to adjust their holiday plans.
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport bore the brunt of the cancellations, with over 1,100 flights – more than 40% of the day’s schedule – eliminated. Midway Airport in Chicago also experienced substantial disruptions, canceling nearly 35% of its flights.
The storm’s reach extended far beyond the major hubs. Airports in Milwaukee, Cedar Rapids, Madison, and Des Moines all reported significant cancellations, with some seeing over half of their scheduled flights removed from the board. Smaller regional airports across Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Indiana were also heavily affected.
Beyond the Midwest, airports in St. Louis, Omaha, Green Bay, Traverse City, and several other cities experienced winter-weather related disruptions. The sheer scale of the cancellations created a cascading effect, impacting air travel across a wide geographic area.
While the storm system is forecast to move eastward, away from major air hubs by Sunday, the repercussions are expected to linger. Airlines are working to reset operations in the affected regions, but residual cancellations are likely. Road travel in parts of Pennsylvania and upstate New York could also face challenges.
Airlines responded by implementing flexible rebooking policies, allowing passengers impacted by the storm to reschedule their flights. Travelers are strongly advised to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport, as the situation remains fluid and subject to change.
The suddenness of the storm, following a period of smooth travel, underscores the unpredictable nature of winter weather and its potential to disrupt even the most carefully laid plans. Holiday travelers now face the challenge of navigating a complex and evolving situation.
