This year's Thanksgiving could bring more than just turkey and family gatherings for many across the United States. As per weather forecasts, a complex winter storm system is set to sweep through the nation, potentially disrupting travel and holiday plans for millions.
For those residing or traveling along the eastern third of the U.S., including the well-traveled I-95 corridor from Miami to Maine, expect rain to be a prominent feature on Thanksgiving Day. Those venturing into the interior regions of the Northeast, like upstate New York, should prepare for snowfalls ranging from 1 to 4 inches. There's also a concern for freezing rain, creating hazardous conditions on roads and sidewalks with ice accumulation reaching a tenth of an inch.
Turning our gaze westward, the Mountain West and some western areas could see snow-driven chaos. A low-pressure system linked to an atmospheric river is expected to bring rain and significant snowfall to regions like Nevada, where higher elevations might receive up to 14 inches of snow. Colorado, presently under avalanche warning, anticipates up to 3 feet of snow in the Rockies, accompanied by winds of 30-40 miles per hour.
Temperature-wise, a chill is expected to descend on most of the U.S., with particularly extreme cold targeting northern locales like Minneapolis. Conversely, southeastern states are predicted to dodge this icy grip, maintaining milder conditions.
This tricky storm timing coincides with a historic boom in Thanksgiving travel. The AAA organization anticipates a record-breaking 80 million travelers going at least 50 miles in the week surrounding Thanksgiving. Major storms threaten significant delays at key airports stretching from the West Coast to the Northeast. Particularly hectic days are foreseen at airports in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Denver, and from Northeast cities including Washington D.C. to Boston. The Federal Aviation Administration highlights Wednesday and Sunday as peaks for air travel stress, with an overwhelming 50,000 flights penned in for Tuesday alone.
In summary, the fusion of winter storms, rain, and plunging temperatures proposes a challenging backdrop for Thanksgiving journeys this holiday period. Whether you're driving through snowy neighborhoods or catching a flight through turbulent skies, it pays to stay informed and prepared for possible interruptions.