A massive winter storm is heading toward the central United States during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. It threatens to disrupt millions of Christmas trips with heavy snow and strong winds from December 24 through 27, 2025. The National Weather Service has issued warnings across states from California to Maine and even Alaska. These alerts predict major problems on highways and at airports as people head out for holiday gatherings.
Storm Hits California’s Mountains Hard
The storm’s strongest impacts will strike California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Forecasters expect 1 to 4 feet of snow at elevations above 7,000 to 8,000 feet in places like Mono County, Lake Tahoe, the White Mountains, and the Inyo ranges. These amounts go beyond normal winter levels, creating serious risks on roads such as Highway 168 through Westgard Pass and U.S. Highway 395.
High winds will make conditions even worse. Gusts could reach 50 to 80 mph on mountain ridges, knocking down trees, snapping power lines, and creating blinding snow squalls. At lower spots near Yosemite National Park and in counties like Modoc, Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra, winds of 40 to 60 mph will add to the chaos. Drivers face low visibility and deep snowdrifts that could trap vehicles for hours.
Heavy Snow Complicates Travel in Maine
In south central and southwest Maine, snow will start falling Tuesday evening and pile up to 4 to 8 inches. This will make major highways like Interstate 95 slippery, slowing trips to Portland or Boston airports. Nighttime commutes and Wednesday’s holiday travel rush will face the worst of it.
Wind-driven snow raises the chance of power outages and flight delays across New England. Roads could turn treacherous quickly, forcing drivers to navigate icy patches and reduced sightlines. Local officials warn that even short drives could become dangerous as the storm builds strength.
Alaska Faces Isolation from Snow and Winds
Western Alaska’s mountain ranges and the central Interior region will see some of the storm’s heaviest totals. Up to 12 inches could fall near Fairbanks, 10 inches across the Interior, and 6 inches on the Baldwin Peninsula. Winds of 20 to 40 mph will cut visibility to less than half a mile in remote areas from the Noatak Valley to the Brooks Range.
These conditions threaten supply deliveries and could cut off communities during freezing holiday weather. Subzero temperatures will make any travel even riskier, stranding residents and delaying essential goods. Alaska’s vast, isolated areas amplify the storm’s potential to disrupt daily life.
Widespread Disruptions and Safety Advice
The National Weather Service urges travelers to prepare carefully, especially on high-risk routes. The agency advises keeping extra flashlights, food, and water in vehicles. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle,” officials state in their alerts. Past storms have led to whiteout conditions and massive traffic jams at places like Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
AAA predicts more than 100 million Americans will travel by car or plane over the holidays. The storm’s timing on Christmas Eve could cause flight cancellations, highway shutdowns, and long delays. Resorts near Lake Tahoe and Yosemite in California may close ski lifts and lose vital tourism revenue through Friday. Economic effects will spread to supply chains, stores, and hotels nationwide, with added strain from Maine’s slick roads and Alaska’s blocked paths.
These snowfalls top seasonal averages, putting pressure on roads, power grids, and ski areas during peak season. Strong winds will build drifts taller than cars, similar to severe events in the Sierra Nevada in 2017. This storm’s short, intense burst during the holidays sets it apart from past ones, like 1969 Sierra records or 2022 Maine nor’easters.
Warnings should ease by Friday, December 27, but leftover snow and drifts may linger into the new year, much like previous December storms that caused problems for 7 to 10 days. Forecasts suggest more snow early next week, so travelers, businesses, and communities must stay informed as patterns shift.
Sources:
National Weather Service – Winter Storm Warnings California Maine Alaska – 2025-12-23
Newsweek – Winter Storm Warning as 16 Inches of Snow Threatens – 2025-12-23
PBS NewsHour – Californians warned to reconsider driving through treacherous Christmas storms – 2025-12-24
USA Today – US weather forecast is in for a big change after snow storm – 2025-12-13
AAA – Christmas Travel Forecast 2025 – 2025-12-20
NWS Sacramento – Sierra Nevada Blizzard Forecast Discussion – 2025-12-23