As Thanksgiving approaches, significant winter weather is expected to impact travel across the US, with forecasts of harsh conditions including heavy snowfall and extreme cold temperatures. Record-high travel volumes may exacerbate disruptions, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast.
Severe Weather Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel Plans Across the US
Severe Weather Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel Plans Across the US
An impending arctic cold front threatens holiday travel as millions of Americans prepare to hit the roads and airports for Thanksgiving.
Much of the Eastern US is bracing for a challenging Thanksgiving as a potent arctic outbreak sweeps through, coinciding with one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of extreme cold, particularly in the northern Plains, where temperatures could plummet to bitter lows of -30F to -40F (-34C to -40C). Concurrently, heavy snowfall and rain are predicted for the Colorado Rockies, with accumulations exceeding 10 inches (25 cm) in certain regions.
The weather system is anticipated to move eastward as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, bringing with it severe conditions including "lake-effect" snow and thunderstorms to areas in the Midwest. The northern coastline of Michigan could see snow showers accumulating to 4-8 inches, leading to potentially treacherous driving conditions.
Amid these weather disturbances, travel is expected to reach all-time highs this year, with the TSA forecasting nearly nine million passengers at airports during peak days, specifically Tuesday, Wednesday, and the Sunday following Thanksgiving. In addition to air travel, AAA estimates that about 72 million Americans will venture at least 50 miles (80 km) by car, attributed to lower gas prices compared to the previous year.
While disruptions at airports have been minimal thus far, major highways like I-90 and I-81 might experience disturbances due to growing snowfall. The weather forecast also follows a winter storm in California that resulted in heavy snow and strong winds, adding another layer of stress for travelers.
Overall, the convergence of significant winter weather and record travel volumes poses challenges for many this Thanksgiving, as families aim to celebrate the holiday amid increasingly difficult conditions.
