Thanksgiving Travel Disrupted: Major Storm System Brings Snow, Rain, and Travel Chaos
A massive winter storm is poised to disrupt travel plans for millions across the United States this Thanksgiving weekend, with winter storm warnings already in effect and forecasts predicting significant snowfall, rain, and frigid temperatures. The system, stretching from Montana to New York, threatens to impact both road and air travel, particularly for those venturing out for Black Friday shopping.
More than 42 million people could be affected by the storm as it moves across the northern Plains, according to a meteorologist with CBS News Philadelphia. Despite the challenging conditions, over 81.8 million people were predicted to travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday period, as reported by AAA.
Widespread Impacts Across the Northern Tier
The National Weather Service has issued storm warnings and advisories extending across a vast area. Areas from Cleveland to upstate New York and into New England are expected to experience significant travel difficulties. A senior official with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stated that Sunday, December 1st, is projected to be one of the busiest travel days in the agency’s history, with more than 3 million travelers anticipated.
Iowa and Illinois are bracing for the brunt of the storm, with six to twelve inches of snow expected from Friday night through Saturday night. Chicago, a major transportation hub, could see accumulations of eight to twelve inches – or even more – potentially causing widespread disruptions at its airports.
Midwest and Northeast Face Hazardous Conditions
Heavy snow is forecast for Saturday, and conditions are expected to improve overnight into Sunday morning in the Midwest as rain moves into the Northeast. However, the interior Northeast faces the threat of snow squalls bringing quick bursts of heavy snow and dangerous, whiteout conditions. Gusty winds may also lead to periods of blowing snow, creating hazardous post-Thanksgiving travel conditions.
Airlines for America predicts a record 31 million passengers will fly between last Friday and this coming Monday. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that the TSA has returned to pre-government shutdown staffing levels, aiming to mitigate potential delays. While current conditions do not meet the criteria for a blizzard warning – requiring winds of at least 35 mph and visibility of less than a quarter mile for over three hours – the potential for hazardous travel remains high.
Gulf Coast and Pacific Northwest Also Affected
The storm’s reach extends beyond the northern and central regions. To the south, heavy storms are in the forecast, with the possibility of flash flooding in the western Gulf Coast on Saturday. In the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, a combination of snow and rain was expected on Friday, with the snow tapering off in the Rockies and northern Plains by Saturday.
Below-average and chilly temperatures are expected to impact most of the eastern and central U.S. throughout the weekend. The I-95 corridor, however, is expected to avoid the heaviest snowfall.
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Sarah Lynch Baldwin contributed to this report.
