What Travelers Can Still Do When Winter Storms Cancel Hundreds of Flights What Travelers Can Still Do When Winter Storms Cancel Hundreds of Flights
Holiday Travel Chaos: Powerful Winter Storm Cancels and Delays Thousands of U.S. Flights Holiday Travel Chaos: Powerful Winter Storm Cancels and Delays Thousands of U.S. Flights

Winter Storm Warning: Current Situation

The storm system is moving eastward from the Dakotas through the Midwest and Great Lakes. Blizzard and Winter Storm Warnings are in effect across parts of Minnesota, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Wisconsin, with snowfall and wind gusts creating whiteout conditions and near-zero visibility.

In the Northeast, Winter Weather Advisories cover areas from Pennsylvania through Vermont and Maine, where freezing rain and ice are concerns as the system progresses. Flood watches have also been issued near Buffalo and Jamestown, New York due to possible rainfall followed by snow.

High wind alerts extend to cities like Detroit and Cleveland, where gusts up to 60 mph on Sunday night into early Tuesday morning could worsen conditions.

Read more: What Travelers Can Still Do When Winter Storms Cancel Hundreds of Flights

USWinter Weather Warnings
US Winter Weather Warnings

City-by-City Forecast

Minneapolis

Sunday (Dec. 28):

  • Heavy snow develops and intensifies

  • Winds increase, gusting over 35–45 mph

  • Visibility drops significantly due to blowing snow

Monday (Dec. 29):

  • Snow tapers off early

  • Bitter cold and lingering blowing snow continue

  • Travel remains extremely dangerous in rural and open areas

Official alert: Blizzard Warning / Winter Storm Warning
Primary risk: Whiteout conditions and stranded vehicles

Chicago

Sunday:

  • Periods of rain during the day

  • Temperatures begin falling late afternoon and evening

Sunday night into Monday:

  • Rain transitions to snow

  • Strong winds create slick and hazardous driving conditions

  • Untreated roads and bridges likely freeze

Official alert: Winter Storm Warning
Primary risk: Black ice and wind-driven snow during commute hours

Read more: Weather Alert: Freezing Rain Threat in New York as Wintry System Lingers Through Monday

Detroit

Sunday:

  • Rain and mixed precipitation

  • Winds strengthen through the day

Monday:

  • Snow showers continue

  • Gusty winds reduce visibility

  • Very cold air moves in by evening

Official alert: Winter Storm Warning / Winter Weather Advisory
Primary risk: Slippery roads and sudden visibility drops

Why This Storm Is Dangerous

A large and dynamic winter storm is impacting the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast, bringing a complex mix of rain, snow, freezing rain, strong winds, and rapidly falling temperatures.

Meteorologists warn this system is especially hazardous because:

Rain is quickly changing to snow or ice

Temperatures are dropping sharply behind the storm

Strong winds are producing blowing and drifting snow

Wet roads may flash-freeze within minutes

Cleveland

Sunday night:

  • Rain changes to snow as temperatures fall

  • Strong winds begin behind the cold front

Monday:

  • Snow showers and blowing snow

  • Roads turn icy quickly, especially overnight and early morning

Official alert: Winter Storm Warning
Primary risk: Flash freezing and poor road conditions

Buffalo

Sunday:

  • Mixed precipitation early

  • Winds increase across western New York

Monday:

  • Lake-effect snow intensifies

  • Heavy snow bands possible with rapid accumulation

  • Blowing snow significantly reduces visibility

Official alert: Winter Storm Warning / Lake-Effect Snow Warning
Primary risk: Heavy snow, whiteouts, and localized travel shutdowns

New York City

Major Winter Storm Brings Snow, Ice, and Blizzard Conditions to 40 Million Americans
US Winter weather forecast

Sunday:

  • Storm exits, leaving wet roads and sidewalks

  • Temperatures begin to fall after sunset

Monday:

  • Dry but colder

  • Overnight refreeze leads to icy patches on bridges and sidewalks

Official alert: Winter Weather Advisory
Primary risk: Black ice during late night and early morning hours

Boston

Sunday evening:

  • Freezing rain and wintry mix possible

  • Even light ice accumulation creates dangerous conditions

Monday:

  • Gradual improvement, but lingering slick surfaces

  • Cold air remains in place

Official alert: Ice Storm Warning / Winter Weather Advisory
Primary risk: Ice-coated roads, sidewalks, and potential power issues

Regional Trend Summary

Midwest & Upper Midwest

  • Blizzard conditions

  • Heavy snow with strong winds

  • Travel may be impossible at times

Great Lakes

  • Rain to snow transition

  • Strong winds and blowing snow

  • Flash freezing overnight

Northeast

  • Icy conditions and freezing rain in New England

  • Black ice risk in major metro areas

  • Colder, drier air settles in by Monday night

Official Safety Guidance

  • Avoid travel during Winter Storm or Blizzard Warnings

  • Slow down and increase following distance

  • Bridges and overpasses freeze first

  • Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle

  • Monitor updates from local National Weather Service offices

Bottom Line

From Minneapolis to Buffalo, this winter storm brings high-impact snow and wind, while cities like Boston and New York face dangerous ice and refreeze conditions. Conditions may change quickly, and officials urge the public to take warnings seriously and limit travel through Monday.