An intense winter storm left behind a complex situation in the Midwest during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The combination of snow, ice, and gusty winds caused thousands of delays, more than 1,400 canceled flights, and dangerous roads in several states.

More than 1,400 flights canceled amid peak travel season

According to FlightAware, at least 1,400 cancellations were recorded nationwide on Saturday, most of them concentrated in the upper Midwest.

Chicago's O'Hare International Airport was the hardest hit, with more than 930 flights canceled and 750 delayed, according to the FAA. Operations experienced delays of up to five hours due to snow and ice.

Midway Airport, also in Chicago, reported 187 cancellations and dozens of delayed flights, while both terminals were placed under operational restrictions due to the severe weather.

Plane runs off icy runway in Des Moines

The extreme weather also affected safety on the ground. A Delta Connection flight carrying 54 passengers and four crew members ran off an icy taxiway while landing at Des Moines International Airport.

The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Friday. According to Delta Air Lines, the Bombardier CRJ-900 lost traction due to ice. No injuries were reported, and the passengers were transported by bus to the terminal. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation. 45-Vehicle Multi-Crash in Indiana: In Putnamville, Indiana, state troopers responded to a chain-reaction crash on Interstate 70, where 45 vehicles were caught in a massive snow-induced accident. Although no serious injuries were reported, the freeway was temporarily closed while emergency crews cleared the roadway and assisted affected drivers.

Winter alerts for millions

The storm continues moving toward the Great Lakes, where dangerous conditions are expected through Sunday morning.

Meteorologists anticipate more than half a foot of snow from central Iowa to southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, Indiana, and parts of western Michigan.

With gusty winds and stretches of reduced visibility, authorities are warning of blizzard conditions and hazardous travel.

A blast of cold and another storm on the way

Following the passage of the system, a significant drop in temperatures is expected across the northern part of the country, between 10 and 20 degrees below the average for early December.

In addition, forecasts indicate the possibility of another winter storm next week, which could further complicate travel and air operations.