A large swath of the United States is bracing for challenging travel conditions this Thanksgiving week as a series of winter storms moves across the central and eastern regions of the country. For millions of Americans planning to visit family and friends, the combination of rain, snow, strong winds and rapidly dropping temperatures is raising the likelihood of delays both on the roads and in the air.
According to meteorologist Nikki Nolan, two different weather systems were impacting the nation as of Tuesday. The first system brought widespread rain to the Ohio Valley during the early part of the day before pushing into the Northeast, where damp and cloudy conditions formed ahead of the holiday rush. While this system was mainly a rainmaker, it contributed to reduced visibility and slower travel for anyone driving along major highways or heading into regional airports.
The second system, however, is packing a bigger punch. Developing across the northern Plains, this storm has been intensifying as it moves eastward toward the Great Lakes. It is expected to produce the heaviest snowfall and strongest winds of the week, creating potentially hazardous travel conditions in multiple states from Tuesday through Wednesday.
Winter storm warnings were issued across several northern states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. In Grand Forks, North Dakota, forecasts called for up to 6 inches of snow by Tuesday night, accompanied by winds peaking around 35 mph. This combination of accumulating snow and gusty wind is likely to result in drifting, reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces, making travel challenging even for experienced winter drivers.
In Minnesota, residents of the Twin Cities were experiencing the latter phase of a two-part storm event. After rainfall Monday evening, temperatures dropped enough to allow a mix of rain and snow to develop through Wednesday. Snow totals in the metropolitan area were projected to reach about 5 inches, with some surrounding communities potentially receiving as much as 8 inches. Blowing snow and sharply colder air were expected to make Wednesday morning particularly difficult for commuters. The poor conditions prompted several school districts across the region to close for the day.
Farther south, Chicago was preparing for a stretch of unsettled weather that included fog and periods of light rain. A cold front is expected to sweep into the area by Wednesday night, driving temperatures below freezing in time for Thanksgiving Day. This colder air mass will likely linger into Friday, raising the potential for icy patches on untreated roads and walkways.
In the Northeast, parts of upstate New York saw strong winds throughout Tuesday, while New York City and the surrounding region prepared for rainfall later in the day and into Wednesday. The wet weather could create traffic bottlenecks for those trying to enter or exit the city during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. By Thursday, forecasters expect cold air and gusty winds to settle over the region, bringing a wintry feel to the holiday.
Nolan noted that the most severe conditions are expected along the northern border with Canada. Some areas may see between 20 and 30 inches of snow, with wind gusts reaching or exceeding 40 mph. These extreme conditions could significantly disrupt travel along major highways such as I-29, I-90 and I-94. Airports in cities including Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago, Duluth, Fargo and Pierre may experience delays or cancellations as crews work to manage snow and maintain visibility on runways.
Rainfall is also expected to affect several major cities along the East and Southeast, including Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Cincinnati, Nashville, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. Wet roadways may slow traffic on heavily used corridors like I-20, I-40, I-65, I-75 and I-95. Airports in these cities, as well as in Indianapolis and Memphis, could see backup as airlines adjust schedules around the weather.
With Thanksgiving being one of the busiest travel periods of the year, even minor disruptions can ripple across the country. Chicago officials say their airports alone expect more than 3.6 million passengers this week. With millions more traveling nationwide, the winter storms could create a challenging start to the holiday season.
