Winter Weather Impacts Thanksgiving Travel Across the U.S.
Severe Weather Forecast for Holiday Travelers
As Thanksgiving approaches, a significant winter weather system is poised to disrupt travel across the United States. Forecasters predict rain, snow, and strong winds will affect various regions, primarily in the Midwest and Northeast. Two weather systems are influencing conditions: start is expected to bring moisture to the Ohio Valley before moving into the Northeast, while the other will impact the northern Midwest with heavy snowfall and powerful winds.
Current Warnings and Predictions
Midwest Weather Alerts
Winter storm warnings are currently in effect for parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. In Grand Forks, North Dakota, up to 6 inches of snow could accumulate, with winds reaching 35 mph. Meanwhile, the Twin Cities area is already experiencing snowfall rates exceeding 1 inch per hour, with forecasts indicating potential blizzard conditions and gusts of wind up to 45 mph. By Wednesday morning, accumulations in the area could reach as high as 8 inches.
Conditions Across Major Cities
In Chicago, mild weather was reported Tuesday morning, but light rain and fog are anticipated through Wednesday, with a cold front expected to lower temperatures below freezing for Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, upstate New York is facing high winds, while downstate regions, including New York City, are preparing for rainfall, potentially causing travel delays.
Expected Impact on Travel
The most severe impacts will likely occur in areas close to the Canadian border, where accumulations of 20 to 30 inches of snow are possible. High winds in the upper Midwest may reach up to 40 mph, potentially disrupting travel along major interstates, including I-29, I-90, and I-94. Major airports in Chicago, Duluth, Fargo, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Pierre, South Dakota, could also experience delays due to weather conditions.
As rain impacts the Southeast, cities such as Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Nashville, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. are bracing for travel disruptions. Drivers on interstates I-20, I-40, I-65, I-75, and I-95 should prepare for possible delays, as heavy rainfall could affect both road and air travel, particularly for airports in Indianapolis and Memphis.
Airports across the nation, especially in Chicago, anticipate a surge in passenger volume, expecting around 3.6 million travelers this week, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation.
Travelers are advised to remain informed about weather updates and to consider their plans as conditions may change rapidly.
For those looking for accommodations during this busy travel season, consider booking your stay here.
[Nikki Nolan contributed to this report.]