A massive winter storm is battering the U.S. Midwest, snarling holiday travel for an estimated 82 million people and causing deep concern for Kenyan families with relatives abroad. The storm's timing, during the peak American Thanksgiving holiday, has grounded hundreds of flights and created hazardous road conditions.

This disruption hits close to home for many in Kenya. The United States hosts a significant Kenyan diaspora, with large communities in states directly in the storm's path, including Minnesota, which is home to nearly 8,000 residents of Kenyan descent. For these families, the holiday is a critical time for connection, now hampered by widespread travel chaos.

A Perfect Storm of Disruption

The U.S. National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings across several states, forecasting heavy snow and blizzard-like conditions. Key travel hubs like Chicago and Minneapolis are experiencing significant delays, affecting flights nationwide. As of Thursday morning, over 800 flights had been delayed, a number expected to climb as the storm intensifies.

The hazardous conditions are not limited to the air. The National Weather Service warned of dangerous roads, with heavy snowfall likely to make travel difficult, if not impossible, in parts of:

• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• Iowa
• Michigan

Authorities have noted that a combination of heavy snow, with accumulations of up to 10 inches, and strong winds will create near-zero visibility in some areas.

The Kenyan Connection

For thousands of Kenyans, states like Minnesota are not just spots on a map but are home to sisters, brothers, and children. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area, in particular, is a major centre for the Kenyan community in the Midwest. The disruption raises immediate concerns about the safety and well-being of loved ones attempting to travel for holiday gatherings.

While details on the exact number of Kenyans impacted by the flight delays remain scarce, the ripple effect is being felt in homes across Nairobi and beyond. Phone calls and messages are filled with a mix of holiday wishes and worries over treacherous travel conditions.

As the storm system moves eastward, authorities are advising all travellers to check their flight status frequently and to avoid driving in the hardest-hit regions. For now, many in Kenya are left watching and waiting, hoping for clear skies and a safe holiday for their family thousands of miles away.