Travel is ramping up this week as millions prepare to hit the road and take flights for Thanksgiving celebrations. While many are expected to reach their destinations without significant stress, the journey home could pose challenges for travelers in the eastern United States, particularly in the Northeast.
The FOX Forecast Center is keeping a close eye on travel conditions as the week commences. A storm currently affecting the West, with heavy rain and mountain snow, is also impacting travelers in the Upper Midwest. This weather pattern is expected to extend to the Southeast and Northeast as Thanksgiving approaches, leading to potential complications for holiday travel.
A low-pressure system moving from the Midwest into the Northeast on Thanksgiving Day is anticipated to create travel disruptions. Most notable weather impacts are expected north of the storm, where the colder temperatures could lead to snowfall across a broad swath from Iowa to Maine, with a concentration in the interior Northeast.
The initial cold air may be limited, but as the storm strengthens, colder air is expected to be drawn further south, producing measurable snow totals in parts of the Northeast, including upstate New York and northern New England. Travelers along major highways such as Interstate 81 and 90 in New York could face significant disruptions, especially in cities like Syracuse, Buffalo, and Binghamton.
In contrast, heavy rain and potential severe weather are forecasted for the southern regions, particularly affecting the Tennessee Valley and Southeast. Travelers may experience considerable delays at major airports, particularly at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, due to these storms.
While the Thanksgiving winter storm may not deliver extraordinarily high snowfall totals, it will likely mark the onset of lake-effect snow season in the Midwest and Great Lakes. As the storm departs the Northeast, frigid air from Canada is expected to envelop the region, leading to colder temperatures that could spark significant lake-effect snow events downwind of the Great Lakes.
With the potential for rapidly changing weather conditions, travelers are advised to stay informed by downloading the FOX Weather app and enabling notifications for the latest updates as Thanksgiving and the following weekend approach.
In summary, while Thanksgiving travel promises joy and reunion, it’s crucial to be prepared for variable weather conditions. It’s a reminder of the beauty and challenges of seasonal travel, and with appropriate planning, travelers can still embrace the season of gratitude with a sense of adventure and resilience.