Major Storm Threatens Thanksgiving Travel Across Eastern U.S.
The approach of Thanksgiving is bringing more than just holiday cheer this year, as a massive storm system threatens to disrupt travel plans for millions across the eastern United States. With severe weather conditions expected Tuesday and Wednesday – peak travel days for Thanksgiving – travelers are bracing for potential delays and cancellations.
Originating in the South with severe thunderstorms on Monday, the storm is forecast to unleash heavy rainfall stretching from the Tennessee Valley to the Mid-Atlantic from Tuesday into early Wednesday. In addition to the rain, parts of the Great Lakes and the Northeast’s interior are likely to experience wintry conditions, including snowfall, particularly in areas like Vermont, New Hampshire, and interior Maine.
The weather challenges don’t end there. As Thanksgiving Day unfolds, a new storm system is anticipated to develop over the northern Rockies, potentially bringing light snowfall across regions from western Montana to Colorado. Furthermore, a third system could emerge in the South by Friday, potentially extending rain and snowfall to the East Coast into Saturday.
Travelers in the eastern U.S. should prepare for difficult conditions on Tuesday. Southern and central Wisconsin, including Madison, may see a mix of wet snow and rain, shifting into northern Michigan. This precipitation could hinder visibility, making travel treacherous. The Mid-Atlantic is also expected to face moderate to heavy rain, particularly in the afternoon and evening of Tuesday.
By Tuesday night and into early Wednesday, the brunt of the storm will move towards northeast Pennsylvania, New York, and New England. Coastal areas are likely to see rain, while interior and mountainous regions may experience snow or a wintry mix.
Key areas to watch include:
- Chicago, where persistent rain through Tuesday noon could total about an inch, with temperatures in the 40s.
- Atlanta, expecting wet and breezy conditions through midday Tuesday, with over an inch of rain and highs in the 60s.
- Washington, where rain is set to start at sunrise on Tuesday and continue throughout the day, with highs in the 50s and potential heavy rain in the afternoon and evening.
- Boston, anticipating rain from Tuesday night into Wednesday, with about 1 to 1.5 inches expected.
- Berlin, N.H., likely to see several inches of snow starting Tuesday night, potentially mixing with or changing to rain on Wednesday.
As the Northeast storm recedes, focus shifts westward toward the continental divide, where another Canadian cold front and developing low pressure may bring snow to Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho on Thanksgiving, extending into Colorado by Thursday night.
Denver is set for a sharp temperature drop, from 60s on Wednesday to the 20s by Friday, with forecasts in Idaho Falls indicating potential snow showers on Thanksgiving Day and in Denver, snow showers developing Thursday night and persisting into Friday.
As the holiday season kicks off, these weather patterns serve as a reminder for travelers to stay informed and prepared for unexpected changes in plans.