Storms, cold and delays: More than 80 million Americans face wild weather as Thanksgiving travel season begins

The United States' busiest Thanksgiving travel period in nearly 15 years commenced with widespread disruption as severe weather systems across the nation triggered thousands of flight delays and cancellations. Over 80 million Americans are on the move, with air travel significantly impacted by a confluence of storms, cold fronts, and heavy precipitation, leading to a challenging start for holiday travelers.

Early in the holiday week, more than 2,456 flights experienced delays or cancellations, according to initial reports. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field Airport were among the hardest hit, reporting numerous cancellations and hundreds of delays as massive thunderstorms swept across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) projected over 360,000 flights for the week, with Tuesday anticipated to be the busiest single day, seeing approximately 52,000 flights.

Beyond Texas, a complex array of weather fronts is challenging air travel across multiple US regions. Lake-effect snow warnings are in effect for Michigan and Minnesota, with Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) officials urging early arrivals due to expected crowds and adverse conditions. Forecasters predict heavy rainfall in the Pacific Northwest, potential flooding in Washington state and Oregon, and scattered thunderstorms impacting major East Coast hubs including Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington D.C., and New York City.

The confluence of record-high passenger volumes and severe weather poses significant operational challenges for US airlines and airport infrastructure. While the majority of Thanksgiving travelers opt for road transport, the non-profit AAA cautioned that air travelers might shift to driving if cancellations persist, further exacerbating road congestion. Airlines and airports are implementing contingency plans to mitigate disruptions, but the dynamic weather patterns suggest continued challenges for passengers navigating the holiday rush.