Millions of Americans preparing to travel for Thanksgiving across the United States may face significant disruptions as a powerful winter storm system sweeps across the country. What began as a snowstorm in the Rockies is forecast to intensify and bring a mix of hazardous weather conditions – from heavy snow and ice to torrential rain and severe thunderstorms – to various regions, potentially snarling holiday travel plans. Travelers along major transportation corridors, especially in the Northeast and Southeast, should be prepared for potential delays and disruptions.
A storm system moving across the US, potentially impacting Thanksgiving travel
Thanksgiving Travel Weather Forecast: Northeast Braces for Snow and Rain
The approaching winter storm is expected to hit the Northeast particularly hard as Thanksgiving Day arrives. A soggy holiday is anticipated along the heavily traveled I-95 corridor, with rain likely to dampen Thanksgiving celebrations and potentially cause travel delays. Further inland in the Northeast, heavier snowfall is predicted, raising concerns for road closures and hazardous driving conditions.
This weather system, which rapidly moved across the nation’s Heartland on Wednesday, is predicted to strengthen as it progresses into the Northeast early on Thanksgiving Day. Travelers heading to or from major cities in the Northeast should closely monitor weather forecasts and allow for extra travel time.
Overview of the winter storm's impact across the eastern US during Thanksgiving week
Midwest and Ohio Valley: Rain and Potential Snow
Before reaching the Northeast, the storm system will pass through the Midwest and Ohio Valley on Wednesday night. While the primary precipitation type in these regions is expected to be rain, a narrow band stretching from central Illinois to central Ohio could see temperatures drop low enough to produce snowfall. While snowfall accumulation is predicted to be light, around an inch or less, travelers in these areas should be aware of the possibility of slick roadways, especially on secondary roads and bridges. Major highways may remain primarily wet, but caution is advised.
For those flying, it’s crucial to be aware of potential weather-related delays at major airports throughout the Midwest and Ohio Valley as the storm passes through.
Interior Northeast: Snowfall Expected to Worsen on Thanksgiving Day
As Thanksgiving Day unfolds, snowfall is expected to become more widespread across the interior Northeast. The storm system will draw colder air from Canada, leading to increased snow chances and accumulation. While overall temperatures are expected to remain relatively mild, limiting snowfall to interior regions, the snow that does fall is predicted to be heavy and wet. This type of snow can significantly impede travel, particularly in higher elevations, and may even cause power outages due to heavy snow accumulating on power lines and trees.
The mountainous areas of the Northeast, including the Catskills, Poconos, Adirondacks, and Green and White Mountains, are anticipated to experience the heaviest snowfall, especially above 1,500 feet. Travelers planning to drive through these areas should be prepared for challenging winter driving conditions.
Forecasted snow totals in the Northeast, highlighting areas expected to receive significant snowfall
Winter Storm Warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for parts of the Northeast and New England, including portions of upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. These warnings indicate that hazardous winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Snowfall totals within the warning areas could reach up to 12 inches in higher elevations, with areas under Winter Weather Advisories potentially seeing up to 6 inches. The NWS office in Albany, New York, specifically cautioned drivers about dangerous driving conditions in the Mohawk Valley, eastern Catskills, and Helderberg Mountains.
Cities such as Syracuse, Buffalo, Binghamton, and Albany in New York are also expected to receive snow, and major interstates like I-81, I-87, I-88, I-90, and I-91 could experience deteriorating road conditions as Thanksgiving Day progresses.
Further south, steady rain is forecast for the mid-Atlantic region and southern New England. This rainfall will likely impact air travel in and out of major cities along the I-95 corridor, including Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. Those planning to attend the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City should anticipate a chilly, rainy event.
Southeast: Severe Weather Threat on Thanksgiving
While the Northeast grapples with snow and rain, the Southeast is facing a potential threat of severe weather on Thanksgiving Day. A cold front associated with the coast-to-coast storm is forecast to sweep through the region, potentially triggering strong to severe thunderstorms.
The primary concern from these storms is damaging wind gusts. However, there is also a possibility of tornadoes in the Southeast region as the cold front interacts with the warm, moist air mass in place. Residents and travelers in the Southeast should stay informed of local weather alerts and be prepared to seek shelter if severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings are issued.
Arctic Blast to Follow the Storm
Following the Thanksgiving Day storm, an arctic blast is expected to engulf much of the eastern United States. As the winter storm exits the Northeast, it will pull in frigid arctic air from Canada, causing temperatures to plummet. By Friday, it is predicted that over 230 million Americans will experience below-average temperatures. This sudden shift to much colder conditions could create additional travel hazards, including icy roads and potential flight disruptions due to deicing procedures and cold weather impacts on aircraft.
The cold air surging over the still-relatively warm Great Lakes could also trigger a significant lake-effect snow event, potentially lasting for multiple days. Areas downwind of the Great Lakes, such as Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the eastern shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Lake Michigan, could see substantial snowfall accumulations beginning Saturday. Buffalo, New York, is already under a Winter Storm Watch, indicating the potential for significant snow and hazardous conditions.
Rocky Mountain Snow Delivers for Ski Resorts, Challenges for Drivers
Earlier in the week, the winter storm brought heavy snowfall to the Rocky Mountains, delighting ski resorts in Utah and Colorado. Many resorts received over a foot of fresh snow, creating excellent early-season conditions for skiers and snowboarders.
Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort in Snowmass Village, Colorado, reported a remarkable 22 inches of snow in just 24 hours and a total of three feet in the past week. This fresh powder is a welcome sight for winter sports enthusiasts.
Heavy snow in Vail, Colorado, covering the ground
However, the heavy snow in the Rockies also created treacherous driving conditions. Videos from Summit County, Colorado, showed snow-covered roads and vehicles moving slowly through the winter weather.
Video showing treacherous driving conditions in Summit County, Colorado, due to heavy snow
Tragically, in El Paso County, Colorado, a man was killed after being struck by a truck following another crash on Interstate 25. While roads were wet and not snowy at the time of the accident, authorities are investigating whether weather played a role.
In Utah, the Department of Transportation shared videos of snowplows working to clear roads in Daniels Summit, highlighting the efforts to manage the heavy snowfall.
Winter weather alerts remained in effect for portions of Utah and Colorado, including Denver and Colorado Springs, through Wednesday as the storm moved eastward.
Conclusion: Stay Informed and Travel Safely
This powerful winter storm is poised to significantly impact Thanksgiving travel across the United States. From heavy snow in the Northeast and Rockies to severe thunderstorms in the Southeast and rain across the Midwest, travelers should be prepared for a variety of weather-related challenges. It is crucial to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts, check for travel advisories and delays, and exercise caution when traveling by road or air this Thanksgiving holiday. Allow for extra travel time and prioritize safety to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
