Travel across the United States is facing significant disruptions as a powerful winter storm is poised to sweep through the northern Plains and Upper Midwest just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Millions of Americans preparing to travel for Thanksgiving are now watching weather forecasts closely as this storm threatens to snarl roadways and air travel.
The approaching winter storm, the first major one of the season, is actually the second in a series of storms impacting the country this week. The first storm system already caused severe weather, including Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings, across the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley on Monday, affecting states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. In Denton, Texas, high winds from this initial storm led to tractor-trailers overturning on Interstate 35, causing significant traffic delays.
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As this initial storm system moves northward, it’s interacting with arctic air, creating conditions ripe for a widespread winter storm. The most significant impacts from this developing winter storm are expected across the Dakotas, potentially extending into Minnesota and Wisconsin. Heavy snow, plummeting temperatures, and strong winds are anticipated, creating hazardous travel conditions. Wind gusts could reach 50-60 mph in the Dakotas starting Tuesday, further exacerbating travel difficulties.
The FOX Forecast Center has highlighted potential travel nightmares along key transportation routes. Interstate 29, from Fargo, North Dakota, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Interstate 94, from Fargo to Bismarck, North Dakota, are particularly at risk. The transition from rain to heavy snow in these areas will create treacherous driving conditions and potential road closures.
Cities further east, including Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, are also under alert for snow showers on Wednesday. As colder air wraps around the storm system, these areas could see accumulating snow, adding to the travel woes.
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This graphic shows the forecast snow totals in the Upper Midwest and northern Plains.
The second storm system is predicted to have an even broader reach, especially concerning Thanksgiving travel. A powerful low-pressure system is expected to form in the Ohio River Valley and Great Lakes region, rapidly intensifying as it moves over the Great Lakes later in the week. This intensification could lead to high winds extending across the Great Lakes region and into the eastern United States.
As the storm system progresses towards the mid-Atlantic and Northeast by the end of the week, cold trailing winds are expected to bring a significant band of snow to the Ohio River Valley. While the exact snowfall amounts are still uncertain, areas from the Ohio Valley through the northern mid-Atlantic and interior Northeast could see snow from the end of the week into the weekend.
WHEN CAN YOU EXPECT THE FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON?
This graphic shows the setup for a winter storm moving across the U.S. this week.
Winter Storm Watches are already in effect for the mountains of eastern West Virginia and the western Maryland Panhandle from Thursday afternoon through Saturday evening, signaling the growing concern for significant snowfall in these areas. Lake-effect snow is also a possibility, though its occurrence will depend on the precise track of the low-pressure system and whether air temperatures are cold enough to support it.
Travelers in the Northeast should also prepare for potential disruptions from rain. While heavy rain is expected, flash flooding is currently not anticipated due to recent dry conditions in the region. However, the rain could still cause travel delays and impact road conditions across the Northeast as Thanksgiving week commences.
HOW MUCH SNOW WILL AN INCH OF RAIN PRODUCE?
This graphic shows the forecast snow totals this week.
This graphic shows the forecast rain totals in the Northeast.
On the West Coast, a separate but significant weather event is unfolding. A powerful bomb cyclone associated with a major atmospheric river is forecast to bring torrential rain from Washington to California midweek, raising concerns about potential flooding.
Powerful bomb cyclone to slam West Coast
A powerful bomb cyclone associated with a major atmospheric river is forecast to drench the West Coast, from Washington to California, midweek, potentially leading to flooding.
A bomb cyclone, characterized by a rapid drop in central pressure (at least 24 millibars within 24 hours), is set to unleash a significant amount of moisture across the West Coast starting Tuesday night and potentially lasting into the weekend. While this system is primarily impacting the West, the widespread severe weather across the US highlights the importance of checking weather forecasts and travel advisories before embarking on Thanksgiving travel.
For those with travel plans across the US in the coming days, especially in the northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Northeast, it is crucial to stay updated on the evolving weather situation. Download the FOX Weather app for real-time updates and enable notifications to receive alerts about forecast changes. Travelers should be prepared for potential delays, road closures, and hazardous driving conditions as this significant winter storm system unfolds across the country, impacting Thanksgiving travel plans.
