As millions prepare for Thanksgiving travel this week, many will hit the roads and pack airports, urging an uptick in holiday travel. While reaching holiday destinations may seem straightforward for most, the journey back home could be complicated for many, particularly in the eastern United States, with a focus on the Northeast region.
The FOX Forecast Center is closely monitoring travel conditions across the country as winter weather systems begin to develop. Currently, a storm system is affecting the West with heavy rainfall and mountain snow, while a fast-moving system is creating winter weather challenges in the Upper Midwest.
As Thanksgiving approaches, another storm is anticipated that might significantly disrupt travel plans. This storm will bring rain to the Southeast and Northeast, and predictions suggest more substantial weather impacts could arise beginning Thanksgiving Day, extending through Black Friday and into the weekend.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, an area of low pressure will move from the Midwest through the Ohio Valley into the Northeast on Thanksgiving. Snow is likely to develop in regions north of the storm’s path, with snowfall expected from Iowa to Maine, particularly concentrated in the interior Northeast.
The storm’s cold air will initially be minimal but, as the system intensifies, colder air will be pulled southward, leading to snow accumulation in areas like upstate New York, Vermont’s Green Mountains, New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and parts of Maine. Travel could be especially difficult along Interstate 81 and 90 corridors in New York, affecting cities such as Syracuse, Buffalo, and Binghamton.
In addition to snowfall in the North, heavy rain, and potentially severe weather, will impact travelers further south in places such as the Tennessee Valley and Southeast. This could cause flight delays and cancellations, particularly at major airports like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport during early morning hours.
This Thanksgiving storm may not yield dramatic snow totals, but it signals the start of lake-effect snow events in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. As it moves eastward, the arrival of cold air from Canada is expected to create frigid temperatures, presenting challenges for travelers and possibly escalating lake-effect snow in areas bordering Lakes Michigan, Erie, and Ontario.
With changing weather conditions expected, it’s a good idea for travelers to stay updated through the FOX Weather app for real-time notifications as Thanksgiving approaches.
This holiday season’s travel may be complicated by weather, but with proper planning and awareness of current conditions, travelers can increase their chances of a safe and enjoyable holiday experience.