Severe Weather Forecast for Thanksgiving Travel

Fri Nov 28 2025 23:58:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Travelers face harsh winter conditions across the U.S. with snow, rain, and cold temperatures expected, particularly affecting areas from Montana to New York.

As the Thanksgiving holiday weekend approaches, travelers should prepare for severe winter weather across much of the northern United States. The National Weather Service has issued storm warnings stretching from Montana to New York, with significant snowfall expected in regions like Iowa and Illinois. Central New York could see up to a foot of snow, while snow squalls may create hazardous driving conditions in the Northeast. Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest and Rockies are also experiencing mixed precipitation, adding to travel challenges.

Severe winter weather is expected as travelers prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, with heavy snow, rain, and cold temperatures impacting various regions in the United States. The National Weather Service has issued warnings spanning from Montana to New York, signaling drivers and holiday travelers to exercise caution.

According to meteorologists, snow is projected to begin on Friday and continue through the weekend, particularly affecting Iowa and Illinois, where forecasts indicate that regions could accumulate between six inches to a foot of snow. Central New York may also see significant snowfall amounts reaching up to one foot.

While severe conditions are anticipated, meteorologists noted that current forecasts do not classify as blizzard warnings despite wind speeds approaching 35 mph. Snow squalls have been reported in the interior Northeast, bringing rapid and heavy snowfall that could lead to dangerous driving conditions.

In the Pacific Northwest and Rockies, a mix of snow and rain will affect travel, tapering off by Saturday. However, heavy rains forecasted for the western Gulf Coast could lead to flash flooding on Saturday.

Travelers across the Midwest should prepare for temperatures well below average, with highs ranging from the 20s to 30s degrees Fahrenheit, while 30s and 40s are expected in New England and the Mid-Atlantic areas, and warmer 40s and 50s in the Southeast.

As severe weather continues to develop, drivers are reminded to check road conditions and expect potential delays, especially in areas already impacted by winter weather.