By Harshit
WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 29 —
Massive Winter System Hits During Peak Holiday Travel
More than 30 million people across the Midwest and Northeast were under winter weather alerts early this week as a powerful storm system battered large parts of the United States, threatening to derail travel plans on one of the busiest holiday travel days of the year.
The sprawling storm has brought blizzard conditions to parts of the Midwest, heavy rain and ice to the Northeast, and severe thunderstorms — including tornadoes — to sections of the central United States, according to the National Weather Service.
Blizzard Conditions Paralyze the Midwest
At least 2 million people were placed under blizzard warnings across the Midwest, where winds gusted between 40 and 60 mph, whipping heavy snowfall into whiteout conditions. Visibility in many areas dropped below a quarter mile, making travel extremely dangerous.
Authorities closed long stretches of Interstate 35 from Ames to the Minnesota border, while travel along I-35 in Minnesota was listed as “Travel Not Advised”, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.
The National Weather Service office in Des Moines issued a stark warning:
“Dangerous travel is expected for much of the next 24 hours. Blowing snow will lead to whiteout conditions over northern Iowa. Travel is discouraged.”
Air Travel Severely Impacted
The storm created major disruptions for air travelers nationwide. According to FlightAware, more than 9,000 flights within, into, or out of the United States were delayed on Sunday, while over 700 flights were canceled.
A ground stop was issued at Chicago O’Hare International Airport Sunday evening due to thunderstorms, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed.
The cascading delays threatened to intensify as travelers rushed home or toward year-end holiday destinations.
Power Outages Across Upper Midwest and Great Lakes
As of late Sunday, more than 115,000 customers were without electricity across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region, according to PowerOutage.com.
Michigan accounted for nearly half of all outages, as high winds and ice-laden lines snapped under pressure. Utility crews warned that restoration efforts could be slowed by hazardous conditions.
Tornadoes and Severe Storms in the Central U.S.
While the Midwest battled snow, the central United States faced a different threat. A powerful cold front triggered severe thunderstorms and tornadoes across parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri.
A tornado watch remained in effect until Sunday evening, and officials confirmed significant damage in Tazewell County, where homes, trees, and power lines were damaged.
In Mount Zion, officials reported widespread destruction. “We’ve got damage all over the place,” a spokesperson at the Macon County Sheriff’s Department said.
Storm chaser video obtained by CNN showed debris scattered across roadways as residents ran toward first responders amid chaotic scenes.
Dramatic Temperature Swings Add to Risk
Meteorologists said the volatile weather was fueled by a sharp clash between warm, spring-like air and an advancing Arctic cold front. Parts of the central and southern U.S. experienced temperatures 20 to 30 degrees above average over the weekend, only to plunge 10 to 15 degrees below normal by Monday and Tuesday.
In Springfield, Illinois, temperatures dropped from the 70s to the 40s in just two hours, underscoring the storm’s intensity.
Northeast Braces for Ice and Rain
In the Northeast, the storm brought a mix of rain and freezing rain, raising concerns about ice accumulation on already snow-covered surfaces. Some areas could see up to a tenth of an inch of ice, compounding travel risks.
Just over four inches of snow fell in New York City’s Central Park on Saturday — the city’s heaviest snowfall since January 2022.
At LaGuardia Airport, travelers reported delays but said they had anticipated disruptions. “I was expecting it, but I was prepared,” said passenger Felicia Reich while waiting for a delayed flight to Florida.
Holiday Travel at Record Levels
The severe weather is colliding with record holiday travel. AAA estimates that more than 109 million Americans are traveling by car for end-of-year trips — a 2% increase over last year.
With blizzards, ice, tornadoes, and power outages all unfolding simultaneously, officials urged travelers to delay trips where possible and monitor local advisories closely.
As the storm continues to sweep eastward, forecasters warned that additional delays and hazards are likely before conditions gradually improve later in the week.