According to AccuWeather experts, a string of storms is expected to drift across the U.S. ahead of Thanksgiving. These systems are forecast to bring rain, snow, wind and fog during what is typically a very busy time for travel.
“Storms could cause major travel headaches in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. People heading out on the highways should be prepared for snowy conditions in parts of the Midwest and Northwest,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok. “Drivers could encounter rain and fog as storms push from the central U.S. to the Northeast before Thanksgiving Day.”
The days leading up to Thanksgiving
On Monday, AccuWeather forecasters said they foresee poor travel conditions in parts of the Northwest and southern Plains. This storm is expected to shift from the southern Plains into the Mississippi Valley on Tuesday.
As explained by Pastelok, delays and disruptions caused by the storm could ripple across the U.S. should weather impact operations at hubs such as New York, Dallas or Atlanta.
Looking to Tuesday, AccuWeather experts warn that travel conditions will likely be poor from eastern Texas to Indiana and Kentucky, as well as the Upper Midwest.
Tuesday’s storm could impact flights going through Chicago, Nashville, Houston and other travel destinations.
Wednesday will bring poor travel conditions to parts of Michigan and the eastern U.S., according to AccuWeather forecasters.
“There is the potential for travel delays related to rain, slick conditions and poor visibility from the Ohio Valley to the Northeast states from Wednesday to Wednesday night, but that will depend on the track, strength and forward speed of the large storm system,” added Pastelok. “The storm will be losing some of its intensity and moisture as it travels from the Central states to the Northeast, but given the travel volume, even a few hours of rain can create significant problems on the roads and runways from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia, New York City and Boston.”
Thunderstorms could impact travel in the Southeast on Wednesday.
In the wake of this storm, the Great Lakes region could experience lake-effect snow from Wednesday into Thanksgiving.
The Thanksgiving forecast
Those looking to attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will surely be grateful to hear that AccuWeather predicts dry conditions and light winds for the holiday. Previously, Pastelok expressed concern over high winds and rain impacting festivities.
“At this time, we believe strong winds behind the front will hold off in New York City until the afternoon or evening and should be relatively light for the large balloons during Thanksgiving morning,” Pastelok said. “However, if the front is faster, winds may kick up sooner.”
Although the weather may start off dry, AccuWeather forecasters revealed that snow may be possible along parts of the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts later Thursday night.
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