As Thanksgiving approaches, travelers in the northern United States are bracing for a severe winter storm, with the National Weather Service issuing warnings across a wide swath of the country. Snowfall is forecast to begin late Friday and continue through the holiday weekend, particularly impacting states like Iowa and Illinois where significant accumulation is expected.
According to meteorologists, storm warnings extend from Montana all the way to New York, with areas in west-central Illinois anticipating six inches to over a foot of snow during peak conditions. However, current wind conditions do not qualify for a full blizzard warning, which necessitates winds over 35 mph along with reduced visibility.
The ongoing storm has already brought substantial snowfall to the northern Plains and the Great Lakes region, with regions downwind of Lake Superior, including parts of Michigan, likely to see over a foot of snow.
In addition to snowfall, quick bursts of heavy snow and dangerous driving conditions are being reported, particularly across the interior Northeast. The winter storm severity index indicated high travel risks in eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois. Officials are urging people to remain cautious if traveling during these turbulent weather conditions.
As conditions evolve, travelers in the Pacific Northwest and Rockies will encounter a mixture of rain and snow, impacting plans for many as they travel during this busy holiday). Predictions show that by Saturday, snow activity will decrease in certain areas, particularly the Rockies, while storms may persist towards the Midwest. Furthermore, southern regions could face heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding over the weekend.
Temperatures across the eastern and central states remain significantly below normal for November. Travelers are advised to prepare for challenging conditions as they navigate to their destinations during this holiday weekend.
