Weather

56°F11:34 AM

Weather

1 read

Severe Winter Storms Disrupt Holiday Travel Across the Midwest and Northeast

KVIA•Monday, December 29, 2025 at 3:39 AM•CNN

Desert storm clouds representing weather news

Want the full story?

Read the complete article at KVIA

AI Summary

A severe winter storm is impacting travel plans for millions as blizzard warnings are issued for over 2 million people in the Midwest. Wind gusts reaching 60 mph are causing whiteout conditions, with more than 9,000 flights delayed and over 700 cancellations reported. Significant property damage has occurred in parts of Illinois due to tornadoes, while travel is discouraged in affected areas. With over 109 million people expected to travel by car this holiday season, these weather conditions pose a serious risk for travelers. Residents should stay updated on weather alerts and consider postponing travel if possible.

Key Details: • Blizzard warnings affect over 2 million in the Midwest. • More than 9,000 flights delayed; over 700 cancellations reported. • Travel discouraged in northern Iowa due to whiteout conditions. • Tornado watch in effect for parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri until 8 p.m. CT. • AAA estimates over 109 million Americans will travel by car this holiday season.

holiday weather travel blizzard tornado

People & Organizations

National Weather ServiceAAANortheastMidwestChicago O'Hare International AirportI-35Tazewell CountyMacon CountyTazewell County Emergency Management

Related Articles

El Paso Matters•Jan 1

El Paso Experiences Its Third-Hottest Year on Record Amid Climate Change

In 2025, El Paso recorded its third-highest average annual temperature, continuing a trend of rising heat attributed to climate change. The average daily temperature has exceeded 69 degrees for three consecutive years, with nine of the eleven hottest years occurring since 2012. Notably, December 2025 was the warmest on record, with an average temperature of 55 degrees. The city set or tied 29 daily high temperature records, while no new low temperature records were established, highlighting the impact of carbon pollution on local climate patterns. El Paso's average temperature has increased by 5.4 degrees since 1970, making it one of the most affected cities in the U.S. by rising temperatures.

El Paso Welcomes 2026 with Mild Weather and Windy Conditions

As El Paso ushers in the New Year, residents can expect mild temperatures and a slight chance of morning rain. Thursday morning will see lows in the 40s with a 10% chance of light rain. By the afternoon, temperatures are projected to rise to the upper 60s, slightly above the daily average. However, the weather will become windy, with gusts reaching up to 30 MPH. This combination of weather conditions is essential for residents to plan their day accordingly.

El Paso Welcomes 2026 with Unseasonably Mild Weather Forecast

As El Paso prepares to celebrate New Year's Eve, the region is set to experience a warm spell, departing from the recent cold snap. The weather for Wednesday night is expected to be calm, with temperatures dipping to the upper 40s and low 50s, accompanied by light winds of 3-5 mph. This shift in temperature is significant as it marks a departure from typical winter conditions, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor festivities without the chill. The mild weather is anticipated to continue into the new year, providing a pleasant start to 2026.

El Paso Weather Update: Cloudy Nights and Warmer New Year's Day Ahead

El Paso residents can expect a cloudy night with temperatures remaining comfortable. On New Year's Day, temperatures are anticipated to rise to the upper 60s, providing a mild start to the year. However, wind gusts may reach up to 30 mph from the west throughout the day, which could impact outdoor plans. Rain is not expected until Thursday, with only a slight chance of light sprinkles. This weather pattern is significant as it marks the transition into the new year with warmer temperatures.