Commuters wait for a bus at a bus stop during a snowy day, in Wheeling, Ill., Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.
A powerful winter system continues to disrupt travel across the United States, with the Midwest battling post-Thanksgiving delays and the Northeast bracing for its first major snowstorm of the season. Hazardous roads, canceled flights and fresh winter storm alerts have set the tone for a challenging start to December.
Record Snowfall at Chicago O’Hare Intensifies Midwest Travel Woes
Snow, black ice and fog caused widespread disruption across the Midwest on Monday. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport recorded more than 8 inches of snow, breaking its all-time November daily snowfall record set in 1951.
By early Sunday evening, nearly 300 flights were canceled and around 1,600 delayed, according to FlightAware. Some cancellations continued into Monday, and roads remained risky through the night.
Travelers crowded terminals, restaurants and even floors inside O’Hare as they waited out delays. Outside, traffic crawled along snow-cleared but still congested roads. Planes required repeated de-icing at major airports including Reagan National and Minneapolis–St. Paul, slowing operations further.
Gusty winds in Iowa and Illinois pushed snow back onto roads, prolonging treacherous conditions. Some areas in both states saw over a foot of snow, meteorologists said.
First Major Northeast Snowstorm of the Season on the Way
While the Midwest worked to recover, the Northeast prepared for a significant winter storm. Forecasts predicted up to 10 inches of snow in parts of northern New England, with heavy winds and icy precipitation threatening travel.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter storm warnings and advisories across Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut and New York. The storm is expected to hit overnight and intensify into Tuesday.
Meteorologist Andrew Orrison said the storm would bring “the first snowfall of the season for many areas,” though major cities may avoid the heaviest snow accumulations.
Pennsylvania Mobilizes for Plowable Snow
In Pennsylvania, crews prepared for widespread snowfall by treating roads along the 565-mile Turnpike system. Starting Tuesday at 5 a.m., the state will impose vehicle restrictions on multiple interstates, including the Northeast Extension.
More than 600 operators and safety personnel are on standby to clear nearly 2,900 miles of roadway, supported by 23 fully staffed maintenance sheds.
“We prepare for snow all year long,” said press secretary Marissa Orbanek.
Midwest Travelers Face Long Delays After Thanksgiving
Thousands of travelers returning from Thanksgiving trips faced major setbacks. At Chicago O’Hare, 76-year-old Oklahoma native Don Herrian described hours-long delays while waiting to complete his connecting flights after visiting family.
“It is what it is,” he said. “It’s congested, but expected due to the snow, the delays and the holidays.”
Passengers packed bus stops, gate seating areas and airport eateries as they waited for operations to stabilize.
Northeast Storm to Bring Heavy Snow, Ice, and Travel Risks
The approaching storm is expected to dump as much as 12 inches of snow across portions of New England by Tuesday. Coastal Maine will face hazardous conditions from Tuesday morning to Wednesday, with the NWS urging residents to “delay all travel if possible.”
In Vermont, public works teams checked snowplow chains, while in New Hampshire, the Department of Transportation invited residents to join its second annual “name-a-plow” contest — a moment of levity amid harsh weather.
Last year’s winning name, Ctrl-Salt-Delete, became a local favorite. This year’s winners will be revealed in January.
A Challenging Start to December
With the Midwest slowly recovering and the Northeast preparing for a major system, winter is making an early, forceful entrance. Heavy snow, strong winds, and icy roads will continue to challenge travelers and commuters across several states in the days ahead.
For millions affected, the focus remains on safety, preparation, and patience as the season’s first major storms unfold.
