People sled down a hill in the Cook County Forest Preserves on the northwest side of Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. Associated Press
Post-Thanksgiving travelers faced massive disruptions in Chicago on Sunday after a powerful snowstorm swept through the Great Lakes region. The storm led to hundreds of flight cancellations, long delays and difficult road conditions, creating chaos for people trying to return home after the holiday weekend.
Record Snowfall Shuts Down Flight Schedules
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport recorded 8.4 inches of snow on Saturday — the highest single-day November snowfall ever documented at the airport. The National Weather Service confirmed it broke the previous record set in 1951.
By early evening Sunday, nearly 300 flights to and from O’Hare were canceled and more than 1,600 were delayed, according to FlightAware. Travelers filled gate areas, restaurants, and even the floors of terminals, passing time as airlines worked to clear backlogs.
Travelers Struggle Through Delays
Passengers like Don Herrian, a 76-year-old retiree, spent hours waiting for rescheduled flights. Herrian’s first flight was delayed by three hours, and his connection to Oklahoma City faced an additional two-hour delay.
“It’s congested, but expected due to the snow and the holidays,” he said, hoping to return home the same night.
Others waited through multiple delays, stood in long queues, or searched for any quiet corner to rest. For many, the combination of holiday crowds and severe weather created one of the most difficult travel days of the year.
Winter Storm Grips the Great Lakes
The snowstorm’s effects stretched far beyond Chicago. Areas along Lake Michigan received more than 12 inches of snowfall since Saturday. Hundreds of churches in western Michigan canceled in-person services, urging worshippers to join online.
In Wisconsin, more than 6,000 homes lost power as utility crews worked through the cold to restore electricity. Milwaukee and South Milwaukee reported the highest number of outages.
The Des Moines International Airport reopened after a Delta Connection flight skidded off an icy runway. No injuries were reported, and passengers were transported safely by bus.
Delays Hit Airports Across the Midwest
Detroit Metro Airport faced major disruptions as well. By Sunday evening, more than 400 flights were delayed and over 45 were canceled. Airports in Washington, D.C., and Minneapolis also de-iced planes to ensure safe takeoffs, adding to wait times.
Iowa experienced strong winds that pushed snow back onto cleared roads, worsening travel conditions. Some areas, including Fort Dodge, saw over 16 inches of snow, creating near-whiteout conditions at times.
More Winter Weather on the Way
Meteorologists warned that while the Great Lakes snowstorm was tapering off, a new system was moving toward the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Forecasters expected up to a foot of snow in some areas by Tuesday.
“It’s the first major snowfall of the season for many places,” meteorologist Andrew Orrison said. “Thankfully, major cities might avoid the worst of it.”
Frustration Mounts at O’Hare
Travelers like Will Barney, 25, waited through repeated delays. After struggling through heavy traffic, his father dropped him at a rental car entrance just to reach the terminal.
“I’m on my third delay,” Barney said. “You had Thanksgiving, then you add the snow. Thank God the government’s not shut down too.”
The storm created a ripple effect across highways as well, with bumper-to-bumper traffic heading into O’Hare. As planes descended through thick clouds and icy winds, airport crews worked nonstop to de-ice aircraft and manage overwhelmed terminals.
A Difficult End to the Holiday Weekend
The post-Thanksgiving snowstorm left thousands stranded, slowed holiday returns, and created one of the busiest and most challenging travel days of the season. With more winter weather expected this week, travelers across the Midwest and East Coast are bracing for continued delays and cancellations.
