Thanksgiving travelers across the United States are facing significant weather-related disruptions as a powerful storm system sweeps from coast to coast. What began as a snowstorm in the Rockies is now intensifying as it moves eastward, threatening to impact major travel routes and holiday celebrations. This comprehensive guide provides the latest Thanksgiving Travel Weather Alerts, ensuring you are well-informed and prepared for potential travel delays and safety concerns.
A storm racing across the nation
Northeast Braces for Soggy Thanksgiving and Snow
The Northeast region is expected to bear the brunt of this storm system on Thanksgiving Day. Travelers along the heavily trafficked I-95 corridor should prepare for a soggy holiday as the storm brings widespread rain. Further inland, the interior Northeast is anticipating significant snowfall, potentially leading to hazardous driving conditions and travel delays. This weather pattern is part of a larger winter storm that is bringing a mix of snow, rain, and even severe weather to the eastern half of the U.S., all kicking off the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Following this storm, an arctic blast is predicted to sweep through the region, raising concerns about lake-effect snow near the Great Lakes.
The storm’s initial phase on Wednesday brought heavy snowfall to the Rockies, causing some travel disruptions in Colorado and Utah. However, for ski resorts in these areas, the snow was a welcome pre-holiday gift. As Wednesday progressed, the storm system moved into the Plains and is expected to rapidly advance through the Midwest and Ohio Valley by Wednesday night.
This graphic provides an overview of a powerful winter storm that will impact the eastern half of the U.S. on Thanksgiving, including heavy snow and rain in the Northeast and severe weather in the Southeast.
While the Midwest is primarily expecting rain, a narrow band from central Illinois to central Ohio may experience snowfall as temperatures drop. Accumulation in these areas is predicted to be around an inch, and while it may not heavily impact major roadways, travelers should still be aware of potentially slick conditions.
Interior Northeast to See Widespread Thanksgiving Day Snowfall
As the storm system advances into the Northeast on Thanksgiving Day, colder air from Canada will be drawn in, leading to more widespread snowfall across the interior. While overall temperatures will remain relatively mild, limiting snowfall to inland areas, the snow is expected to be heavy and wet. This type of snow can significantly impede travel, especially in higher elevations, and may also cause power outages due to the weight of the snow on trees and power lines.
The mountainous regions of the Catskills, Poconos, Adirondacks, and Green and White Mountains, particularly above 1,500 feet, are predicted to receive the heaviest snowfall. While the expected snow totals are not as extreme as the previous week’s winter storm, which dumped up to 20 inches of snow in parts of upstate New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, and northwestern New Jersey, the heavy, wet nature of this snow still poses a considerable travel threat.
This graphic shows the winter weather alerts in effect in the Northeast.
Winter Storm Warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for portions of the Northeast and New England, including areas within upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. These warnings indicate that hazardous winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Within the Winter Storm Warning areas, NWS forecasters are predicting up to 12 inches of snow in higher elevations, and up to 6 inches in areas under Winter Weather Advisories. The NWS office in Albany, New York, has specifically cautioned drivers about dangerous driving conditions across the Mohawk Valley, eastern Catskills, and Helderberg Mountains.
Cities such as Syracuse, Buffalo, Binghamton, and Albany in New York are also anticipating snowfall. Major Interstate routes including I-81, I-87, I-88, I-90, and I-91 may experience deteriorating road conditions, making travel challenging and potentially dangerous.
Rain and Travel Disruptions for the I-95 Corridor
South of the snow zone, a steady rain is expected to fall across the mid-Atlantic and southern New England regions. This rainfall will affect travelers heading to or from major cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, including Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. Air travel in and out of these cities could face delays due to the weather conditions. Those planning to attend the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City should anticipate a chilly, rainy event.
Southeast Faces Severe Weather Threat
In addition to the winter storm impacts in the Northeast, the Southeast region is also under alert for potential severe weather. A cold front associated with the same coast-to-coast storm system will sweep through the Southeast, creating conditions favorable for strong to severe thunderstorms.
This graphic provides an overview of a powerful winter storm that will impact the eastern half of the U.S. on Thanksgiving, including heavy snow and rain in the Northeast and severe weather in the Southeast.
The primary threat from these thunderstorms is damaging wind gusts. However, there is also a possibility of tornadoes in some areas. Residents and travelers in the Southeast should stay informed about local weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if severe weather approaches.
Arctic Blast to Follow the Storm
As the Thanksgiving Day winter storm moves out of the Northeast, it will usher in a wave of even colder, arctic air from Canada. This arctic blast is expected to extend southward, potentially reaching as far as the Southeast. By Friday, forecasts indicate that over 230 million Americans will experience below-average temperatures. This dramatic temperature drop will further complicate post-Thanksgiving travel and outdoor activities.
The cold air moving over the unusually warm Great Lakes will likely trigger a significant lake-effect snow event. Areas along Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the eastern shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Lake Michigan are at risk for multi-day lake-effect snow. Buffalo, New York, is already under a Winter Storm Watch starting Saturday, signaling the potential for heavy lake-effect snow in that region.
Rocky Mountain Snow Delights Ski Resorts, Creates Travel Hazards
Earlier in the week, the storm system brought significant snowfall to the Rocky Mountains. While this snow caused some treacherous driving conditions and travel delays, it was welcomed by ski resorts in Utah and Colorado. Many resorts received over a foot of fresh snow, creating excellent early-season skiing conditions.
Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort in Snowmass Village, Colorado, reported an impressive 22 inches of snow in just 24 hours and a total of three feet in the past week. However, the heavy snowfall also led to dangerous driving conditions in areas like Summit County, Colorado, as depicted in videos showing slow-moving traffic and snow-covered roads. Tragically, in El Paso County, Colorado, a fatality occurred in the aftermath of a crash on Interstate 25, although it remains under investigation whether weather was a contributing factor.
Snow in Vail, Colorado
Utah also experienced significant snowfall, prompting the Utah Department of Transportation to deploy snowplows to clear roads in areas like Daniels Summit near Heber City.
Winter weather alerts remain in effect for parts of Utah and Colorado, including major cities like Denver and Colorado Springs, until Wednesday evening as the storm system moves eastward.
Stay Updated on Thanksgiving Travel Weather Alerts
This Thanksgiving, it is crucial for travelers to stay informed about the evolving weather situation. Monitor local forecasts and heed any travel advisories or weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service and local authorities. Check with airlines and transportation providers for potential delays or cancellations before heading out. By staying prepared and informed, you can navigate the Thanksgiving travel weather challenges and ensure a safer holiday journey.
