A pair of powerful storm systems is lining up with one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel weeks ever, putting millions at risk of delays and dangerous conditions.
Here’s what went down
Read this especially if you’re flying or driving 50+ miles for the holiday.
What Just Happened
Forecasters are tracking two major storm systems sweeping across the U.S. during peak Thanksgiving travel, with severe storms threatening parts of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma while another system dumps snow from the Rockies through the Upper Midwest into New England.
The National Weather Service is warning of flash flooding, severe thunderstorms, and dangerous winter conditions through midweek.
All of this arrives as 82 million Americans prepare to travel at least 50 miles from home.
Where the Storms Hit Hardest
- Severe storms & tornado threat: Around 9 million people in Texas, southern Arkansas, and northern Louisiana.
- Flooding risk: About 7 million across central/northern Texas and parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas, with 1–2 inches of rain per hour possible.
- Snow belt: Northern Rockies, Dakotas, Minnesota, and northern Michigan under winter advisories, with 3–6 inches of snow and locally higher totals.
Timeline:
- Monday–Tuesday: South and Arklatex region under severe weather and flood risk.
- Tuesday–Wednesday: Storm strengthens over the Upper Midwest into New England.
- Thanksgiving: Conditions improve for most, but lake-effect snow and gusty winds linger in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.
Travel Fallout
Airports are bracing for rolling delays and cancellations, while road travel faces flooding in the South and snow or ice in the North, all hitting as Wednesday’s peak travel window collides with major Midwest snowfall.
With nationwide ripple effects expected, experts urge travelers to prepare backup flights or alternative transportation.
WHY IT MATTERS
This year’s record travel is colliding with nationwide weather hazards at a time when airlines and infrastructure are still stretched thin, meaning any major disruption could spill into Black Friday logistics and weekend returns.
Families on tight holiday schedules face a real risk of last-minute cancellations, missed connections, and overnight delays, a reminder that weather still owns the calendar.
The Bottom Line
- If you’re traveling: Fly early, carry-on only if you can, and build in extra time.
- If you’re driving, leave sooner or push your trip, especially through storm zones.
This Thanksgiving, flexibility may be the difference between turkey at the table, or updates from the airport gate.