On Nov. 29, 2025, a large winter storm moved east from the Northern and Central Plains into the Midwest and Great Lakes, bringing heavy snow, strong winds and widespread travel disruption. The system produced forecasts of 6 to 12 inches across a corridor from Des Moines to Milwaukee, Chicago and Lansing, with Chicago itself facing a 6-to-10-inch accumulation and intense snowfall that began in the pre-dawn hours. Flight-tracking data showed more than 2,000 cancellations nationwide by Saturday afternoon, including over 1,100 at Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports, leaving many holiday travelers delayed or stranded. Local officials and federal forecasters warned that hazardous roads and low temperatures would prolong the disruption through Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- More than 2,000 flights were canceled across U.S. airports by Saturday afternoon, with Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway accounting for over 1,100 cancellations (FlightAware).
- Forecasters from the Weather Prediction Center projected 6–12 inches of snow across a swath from Des Moines to Milwaukee, with some pockets exceeding 12 inches.
- Chicago’s snow began around 3 a.m. and the National Weather Service warned of heavy snow continuing through about 8 p.m. Saturday, with accumulations of 6–10 inches likely in the city.
- The storm affected Thanksgiving week travel, amplifying congestion at airports and straining ground transportation and road-clearing operations.
- City officials activated snow response protocols and urged residents to avoid nonessential travel as plows and salt crews were deployed overnight.
- The event marked the first significant late‑November storm to hit Chicago in roughly four to five years, according to regional weather records.
Background
Late‑season winter storms across the central United States arise when cold Arctic air collides with moisture from the Plains or the Gulf of Mexico; meteorologists say the pattern that produced this storm reflected a strong low‑pressure track across the Northern and Central Plains. The timing — arriving during the busy post‑Thanksgiving travel period — increased its immediate societal impact, as airports and roadways were already handling heavy passenger flows. Regional authorities have upgraded staffing for snow removal and airport operations in advance of forecasted heavy precipitation, drawing on procedures refined from past winter events.
Chicago officials and the National Weather Service noted that a storm of this magnitude in late November is relatively uncommon for the city; local records show few comparable events in recent years. Airports and carriers typically prepare contingency plans for winter storms, but the simultaneous onset of high winds and heavy snow can overwhelm deicing, gate operations and ground transportation. Emergency management teams emphasize coordination among state departments of transportation, city public works and airport authorities to prioritize arterial routes and keep critical facilities operational.
Main Event
The storm system moved eastward through Friday night and into Saturday, with measurable snow beginning in Chicago around 3 a.m. and intensifying through the morning and afternoon. Visibility was reduced in several corridors as snow rates increased, and gusty winds produced blowing snow that complicated plowing and reduced highway speeds. The National Weather Service issued advisories for the region, forecasting the heaviest snowfall along a band stretching from central Iowa through northern Illinois and into southern Michigan.
Air travel disruptions built rapidly as carriers canceled flights in anticipation of deteriorating conditions; by Saturday afternoon FlightAware reported more than 2,000 canceled departures and arrivals nationwide, concentrated in the Midwest. Chicago’s two primary airports — O’Hare and Midway — recorded the majority of local cancellations, and airlines adjusted schedules and rebooked passengers where possible. Ground transportation also suffered: interstates and state highways showed slow speeds and several spinout incidents that prompted temporary lane closures in some areas.
Municipal crews worked through the day and night to keep main roads passable, prioritizing hospital routes, transit corridors and major arterials. Salt and plow operations were deployed at scale, but officials warned that heavy precipitation rates would necessitate multiple passes and that untreated secondary streets could remain hazardous into Sunday. Local transit agencies implemented limited service adjustments to maintain safety for operators and riders.
Analysis & Implications
The immediate economic impact centers on travel—both passenger and freight. Airport cancellations and delays ripple through scheduling and crew logistics, often causing additional knock‑on cancellations beyond the initial event window. For businesses relying on time‑sensitive shipments, the storm increased the risk of overnight and same‑day delivery failures, particularly for regional distribution hubs that serve the Midwest. Hotels and ground-transportation services in airport areas saw elevated demand from stranded travelers.
Municipal budgets absorb costs for extended plow and salt operations, overtime for public works crews and equipment wear. A single heavy event can add millions of dollars in unplanned winter‑service expenses for large cities; the need to clear arterial routes quickly often draws resources away from secondary streets and residential neighborhoods, affecting mobility equity. Local governments must weigh near‑term response against longer‑term maintenance and capital needs for fleet and infrastructure resilience.
Public‑safety implications include increased crash risk on slick roads and strained emergency response times. Hospitals and emergency services typically prepare for higher call volumes during severe winter events, and prolonged low temperatures can raise concerns for vulnerable populations without adequate heating. The timing during a holiday travel surge also complicates resource allocation for airports, transit agencies and state transportation departments, potentially stretching mutual‑aid agreements and interagency coordination.
Comparison & Data
| Metric | Storm (Nov 29, 2025) | Typical Late‑Nov Event (Recent Years) |
|---|---|---|
| National flight cancellations | 2,000+ (FlightAware) | Varies; several hundred in minor systems |
| Chicago cancellations (O’Hare + Midway) | 1,100+ | Lower counts in milder late‑November seasons |
| Forecast snowfall (core corridor) | 6–12 inches; localized >12 inches | Often under 6 inches in most years |
| Chicago forecast | 6–10 inches; heavy snow 3 a.m.–8 p.m. | Rare to exceed 6 inches late in November |
The table above summarizes the principal metrics tracked during the event: flight cancellations, city‑level impacts and forecast snowfall. Compared with many recent late‑November seasons, this system delivered higher totals and broader operational disruption. Agencies used these real‑time figures to prioritize resource deployment; the cancellation counts reported by FlightAware provide a near‑live indicator of aviation disruption, while local forecasts from the National Weather Service guided municipal response plans.
Reactions & Quotes
“We’re looking at six to 12 inches of snow and some areas getting over a foot of snow when it’s all said and done.”
Andrew Orrison, Weather Prediction Center
The Weather Prediction Center framed the storm’s core snowfall threat for the central corridor and emphasized the potential for localized heavier amounts that would drive road and airport impacts.
“Heavy snow is expected through about 8 p.m. Saturday; travelers should anticipate delays and check with carriers before going to the airport.”
National Weather Service (local forecast office)
The National Weather Service issued localized timing guidance and advised travelers to confirm flight status and avoid unnecessary road travel while crews worked to clear routes.
Unconfirmed
- Final, county‑level snowfall totals remain preliminary; some suburban and rural measurements are still being collected and verified.
- Estimates of the total economic cost from canceled travel and municipal snow operations are not yet calculated and will require post‑event assessment.
Bottom Line
This late‑November storm delivered substantial snow and travel disruption across the Midwest, with forecasts calling for widespread 6–12 inch totals and concentrated impacts in Chicago, Milwaukee and Lansing. The timing amid holiday travel amplified delays, producing more than 2,000 canceled flights nationwide and stranding many passengers at major hubs, particularly in Chicago where over 1,100 cancellations were recorded by Saturday afternoon.
Municipal and airport operations shifted into high gear to manage road clearing, deicing and passenger rebooking, but heavy snowfall rates and gusty winds limited immediate progress and could leave secondary streets and some services impaired into Sunday. Travelers should monitor official forecasts and carrier notices as agencies post final totals and airlines complete recovery operations in the days following the storm.
Sources
- The New York Times — news report (original coverage of event)
- FlightAware — aviation tracking and cancellation counts (industry/analytics)
- Weather Prediction Center — forecast discussion and snowfall projections (federal meteorological agency)
- National Weather Service — localized advisories and timing guidance (federal meteorological agency)
- Chicago Department of Aviation — airport operations and traveler guidance (official/city agency)