A significant winter storm is poised to impact Thanksgiving travel across the United States, with the Northeast expected to bear the brunt of holiday travel disruptions. This coast-to-coast system, already impacting the Heartland, is forecast to strengthen as it moves eastward, bringing a mix of snow, rain, and potential severe weather just as millions take to the roads and skies for Thanksgiving celebrations. Travelers should be aware of the Thanksgiving Winter Storm Travel Disruption Forecast and plan accordingly to minimize delays and ensure safety.
A storm racing across the nation
Northeast Braces for Snow and Rain, Impacting Thanksgiving Travel
Thanksgiving Day in the Northeast will be marked by a developing winter storm, bringing widespread snowfall to interior regions and soaking rains along the heavily traveled I-95 corridor. While the snowfall is not expected to reach the record levels of the previous week’s storm, the heavy, wet nature of the snow is still anticipated to cause significant travel delays and potential power outages, particularly in higher elevations.
The mountainous regions of the Catskills, Poconos, Adirondacks, and Green and White Mountains are predicted to receive the heaviest snowfall, especially above 1,500 feet. Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for parts of upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, with forecasts predicting up to 12 inches of snow in the highest elevations and around 6 inches in areas under Winter Weather Advisories. Cities including Syracuse, Buffalo, Binghamton, and Albany in New York are also expecting snowfall, which could lead to hazardous driving conditions on major interstates such as I-81, I-87, I-88, I-90, and I-91.
Further south and along the coast, steady rain is expected to dampen Thanksgiving travel across the mid-Atlantic and southern New England. This rainfall will likely cause disruptions for air travel, especially at major airport hubs along the I-95 corridor in cities like Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. Even the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City may face chilly, rainy conditions, impacting outdoor festivities.
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.
Southeast Under Severe Weather Watch
While the Northeast grapples with snow and rain, the Southeast is facing a different threat from the same winter storm system: severe weather. A cold front associated with the storm is forecast to sweep through the region, potentially triggering strong to severe thunderstorms. The primary concern is damaging wind gusts, but there is also a risk of tornado development in some areas. Travelers in the Southeast should monitor weather alerts and be prepared for potential delays and hazardous conditions due to thunderstorms.
Arctic Blast to Follow, Lake-Effect Snow Possible
As the Thanksgiving winter storm moves out of the Northeast, it will usher in a wave of arctic air from Canada. This cold blast is expected to plunge temperatures well below average across a large portion of the eastern United States, affecting over 230 million Americans by Friday. The sudden drop in temperature following the storm may lead to icy conditions, further complicating post-Thanksgiving travel.
Additionally, the interaction of this arctic air with the unseasonably warm Great Lakes could trigger significant lake-effect snow events. Areas downwind of the Great Lakes, particularly Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the eastern shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Lake Michigan, are at risk of heavy, multi-day lake-effect snow starting Saturday. Buffalo, New York, is already under a Winter Storm Watch in anticipation of these conditions.
This graphic shows the winter weather alerts in effect in the Northeast.
Western Snow a Double-Edged Sword
The winter storm initially brought heavy snowfall to the Rockies, causing some travel disruptions in Colorado and Utah. However, this same snow was welcomed by ski resorts, which received substantial accumulations just in time for the holiday season. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort in Colorado reported a remarkable 22 inches of snow in just 24 hours, and three feet in the past week, creating ideal conditions for early-season skiing. While western travel faced temporary challenges, the snow is a boon for the tourism industry in these mountain regions.
Snow in Vail, Colorado
Travel Disruption Expected Across Eastern US
In conclusion, the thanksgiving winter storm travel disruption forecast is becoming a reality for much of the eastern United States. From heavy snow in the Northeast and severe thunderstorms in the Southeast to the arctic blast and potential lake-effect snow following behind, travelers should anticipate delays and challenging conditions. Whether traveling by road or air, staying informed about the latest weather updates and heeding travel advisories is crucial for a safe Thanksgiving holiday. Consider flexible travel plans and allow extra time to reach your destination as this coast-to-coast storm unfolds.
