Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit Offer Free Flight Changes as Winter Storm Freya Threatens Travel Plans Across 22 US States: New Updates You Need to Know

As Winter Storm Freya barrels toward the Midwest, Northeast, and Great Lakes, airlines are stepping up to help travelers avoid disruptions. Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit have issued travel waivers, allowing passengers flying through affected airports to rebook without additional fees.

The first signs of Winter Storm Freya will be felt in Southwest Michigan, where freezing rain is expected to begin Wednesday evening.

According to the National Weather Service Northern Indiana office, which monitors the region, freezing rain will start south of U.S. 30 (stretching from Indiana to Ohio) by 6 p.m. Wednesday.

In Southwest Michigan, freezing rain will likely begin by 7 p.m. Wednesday and continue until around 9 a.m. Thursday, leading to dangerous road conditions and potential power outages.

While the Midwest and Northeast brace for snow and ice, Northern California has been drenched by two large atmospheric river storms after an unusually dry January.

Over the course of both storms, areas north of Sacramento saw 8-9 inches of rain, while totals in the Southern Sacramento Valley ranged from 2-3 inches.

The storm system drenched Northern California this week, bringing uneven rainfall amounts across the region. Vacaville recorded 3.38 inches of rain, while Auburn saw 3 inches. Marysville received 2.28 inches, with Davis close behind at 2.24 inches. Folsom picked up 2.12 inches, and Downtown Sacramento measured 1.94 inches. Sacramento Executive Airport recorded 1.92 inches, while Manteca and Stockton saw 1.54 inches and 1.52 inches, respectively. Modesto, on the other hand, received just 0.44 inches.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Nevada saw fresh snowfall, though totals varied due to intermittent rain. Palisades Tahoe led with 18 inches, followed by Northstar with 15 inches. Mt. Rose reported between 14 and 18 inches, while Donner Ski Ranch saw 13 inches. Sugar Bowl, Heavenly, and Tahoe Donner each recorded 6 inches. Bear Valley picked up 4 inches, while Kirkwood saw only 1 inch.

Despite the storms, warmer air kept snowfall lower than anticipated in the Sierra Nevada, with many areas experiencing a mix of rain and snow. By Tuesday night, water content levels were at 11-12 inches near Emigrant Gap.

Northern California faced a dynamic weather pattern this week, with cities experiencing a wide range of rainfall. Some areas saw substantial precipitation, while others recorded more moderate totals. Vacaville received 3.38 inches of rain, while Auburn measured 3 inches. Marysville accumulated 2.28 inches, with Davis following at 2.24 inches. Folsom recorded 2.12 inches, Downtown Sacramento 1.94 inches, and Sacramento Executive Airport 1.92 inches. Manteca and Stockton saw nearly identical totals at 1.54 and 1.52 inches, respectively, while Modesto received significantly less at just 0.44 inches.

Higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada picked up fresh snowfall, though some areas saw more rain than expected. Palisades Tahoe topped the charts with 18 inches, while Northstar reported 15 inches. Mt. Rose accumulated between 14 and 18 inches, with Donner Ski Ranch measuring 13 inches. Sugar Bowl, Heavenly, and Tahoe Donner each reported 6 inches, while Bear Valley saw 4 inches. Kirkwood had the lowest total, with just 1 inch of fresh snow.

With Winter Storm Freya disrupting flights in the Midwest and Northeast, and heavy rain and flooding in Northern California, travelers should expect delays and cancellations across multiple regions.

Flights in the late afternoon and evening hours on Wednesday and Thursday are the most likely to be affected. Even travelers flying outside of storm-impacted areas may experience delays as airlines adjust their schedules.

Severe winter weather is a major cause of U.S. flight disruptions.

Winter weather and atmospheric rivers are disrupting travel nationwide, so stay ahead of the storm and adjust your plans accordingly.