What's Happening?

A major winter storm is causing significant travel disruptions across the United States as millions of people return home after the Thanksgiving holiday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings and advisories from South Dakota to Ohio, with some areas already experiencing up to 8 inches of snow. The storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions to the central and northern Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes regions over the weekend. Snowfall rates could exceed 1 inch per hour, leading to total accumulations between 6 to 12 inches. The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds is creating dangerous travel conditions, with limited visibility and snow-covered roadways. More than 800 flights at Chicago O'Hare International Airport have been canceled, and over 500 flights delayed. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has reported multiple car crashes due to the storm, urging travelers to avoid roads in heavily impacted areas.

Why It's Important?

The winter storm's impact is significant as it coincides with one of the busiest travel periods in the United States. Nearly 82 million people were expected to travel at least 50 miles for the holiday, with 6 million traveling by plane. The disruptions are not only affecting air travel but also road safety, with authorities warning of dangerous driving conditions. The storm's timing, following Thanksgiving, exacerbates the challenges faced by travelers and transportation services. Additionally, the storm's impact is compounded by mandatory software upgrades to Airbus A320 aircraft, which have caused further flight delays. The Federal Aviation Administration has required airlines to complete these upgrades by Sunday, adding to the logistical challenges faced by airlines and passengers.