Storm Knocks Out Power in Midwest, Threatens Thanksgiving Travel

Snowy and blustery conditions are spreading across the U.S. Midwest, triggering power outages and potential ground and air delays as the U.S. prepares for one of its busiest travel days of the year – the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Winter storm warnings, weather advisories and even blizzard warnings are up across parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, while a wide area is being buffeted by high winds, including gusts up to 55 miles (89 kilometers) per hour in Chicago, the U.S. National Weather Service said. Meanwhile in western New York and Pennsylvania, lake effect snow is threatening to snarl traffic on Interstate 90 and other highways through the region.

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects including holiday decorations,” the weather service said in its advisory in Chicago. “Travel will be difficult in open areas and on north south oriented highways.”

Few flights have been canceled into and around the US so far Wednesday, however at least 727 have been delayed, according to FlightAware, an airline tracking service. About 71 were delayed at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, as of 8 a.m. local time.

In addition to the flight issues, 71,438 customers were without power across the U.S., with Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana the hardest hit, PowerOutage.us said.

Meanwhile in New York City, Wednesday will be mild with temperatures reaching 61F (16C) in Central Park with showers, the weather service said. The sun will come out on Thursday for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicking off that morning.

There could be some blustery winds that will make temperature feel colder than the forecast high of 44F, said Marc Chenard, a senior branch forecaster at the U.S. Weather Prediction Center.

Chenard said travelers heading home this weekend may encounter another round of bad weather going through Chicago with a storm that has a 40 to 50% chance of bringing at least 6 inches (15 cm) of snow to the region, which is a hub for air and ground travel across the U.S.

Top photo: Plows work to remove snow outside Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on November 26, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A winter storm warning is in effect as several inches of snow fell overnight and wind gusts have been recorded over 40 miles per hour. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images).