Indianapolis, November 30, 2025
A significant winter storm has impacted post-Thanksgiving travel across the northern U.S., bringing heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and hazardous driving conditions. Travel disruptions include flight delays, road closures, and power outages, primarily affecting the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Travelers are advised to monitor weather updates and prepare for potential delays as authorities enforce caution on the roads.
Winter Storm Disrupts Post-Thanksgiving Travel Across Northern U.S.
Indianapolis, IN – A significant winter storm has impacted post-Thanksgiving travel across the northern United States, bringing heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and hazardous driving conditions. Winter storm warnings have been issued from Montana to New York, with the Midwest and Great Lakes regions experiencing the most severe conditions.
Impact on Travel
The storm has led to numerous travel disruptions, including:
- Air Travel Delays: Major airports, such as those in Chicago and St. Louis, have reported delays averaging about an hour. Flight cancellations have also been noted, affecting thousands of travelers.
- Road Closures and Accidents: In Indiana, a 45-vehicle crash on westbound Interstate 70 near Terre Haute resulted in a highway closure for several hours. Authorities have advised motorists to exercise caution and, when possible, avoid travel during peak storm periods.
- Power Outages: Strong winds and heavy snow have caused power outages in affected regions, with over 1,000 outages reported in parts of Michigan on Thursday.
Weather Conditions
The storm has brought:
- Heavy Snowfall: Areas in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan have received between six inches to over a foot of snow. Central and western Illinois are expected to be hit hardest from Friday night through Saturday.
- Freezing Rain: Some regions have experienced freezing rain, leading to slick road conditions and increased accident risks.
- Cold Temperatures: Temperatures have remained well below average across much of the country, with highs in the 20s and 30s degrees Fahrenheit in the Midwest and 30s and 40s in New England and Mid-Atlantic areas.
Recommendations for Travelers
Travelers are advised to:
- Monitor Weather Updates: Stay informed about local weather conditions and heed any advisories or warnings issued by authorities.
- Plan Ahead: Allow extra time for travel and consider postponing non-essential trips during peak storm periods.
- Prepare for Delays: Ensure you have necessary supplies, such as food, water, and warm clothing, in case of extended travel times or unexpected stops.
Background
This winter storm is part of a series of weather systems affecting the United States during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Similar conditions have been observed in previous years, highlighting the importance of preparedness during this travel-intensive season.
Related News
- Winter storm warnings stretch across the northern US, bringing snow, cold and risky conditions
- Lake effect snow piles up in Great Lakes region, impacting Thanksgiving travel
- Winter storms bring snow, freezing rain and cold as Thanksgiving travelers journey home
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What areas are affected by the winter storm?
The winter storm has impacted regions from Montana to New York, with the Midwest and Great Lakes experiencing the most severe conditions.
What travel disruptions have occurred due to the storm?
Travel disruptions include flight delays and cancellations at major airports, road closures and accidents, and power outages in affected regions.
What weather conditions are associated with the storm?
The storm has brought heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and cold temperatures, leading to hazardous driving conditions and potential power outages.
What precautions should travelers take during this storm?
Travelers should monitor weather updates, plan ahead, and prepare for delays by carrying necessary supplies and allowing extra time for travel.
How does this storm compare to previous Thanksgiving travel disruptions?
Similar winter storms have affected Thanksgiving travel in previous years, underscoring the importance of preparedness during this season.
Key Features of the Winter Storm Impacting Post-Thanksgiving Travel
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Geographic Impact | Regions from Montana to New York, with severe conditions in the Midwest and Great Lakes. |
| Travel Disruptions | Flight delays and cancellations, road closures, accidents, and power outages. |
| Weather Conditions | Heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and cold temperatures leading to hazardous conditions. |
| Traveler Recommendations | Monitor weather updates, plan ahead, and prepare for delays with necessary supplies. |
| Historical Context | Similar winter storms have affected Thanksgiving travel in previous years, highlighting the need for preparedness. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winter Storm Hits Indiana, Bringing Heavy Snow and Hazardous Travel Conditions
Celebrate With Joy: Indianapolis’ December Holiday Events
Winter Storm Watch Issued for Indiana as Heavy Snowfall Expected
Indianapolis Likely to Experience Early Snowfall as Temperatures Drop
School Closures in Middle Tennessee Due to Severe Weather
Significant School Disruptions in Middle Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
