Thanksgiving Storm Threatens Nationwide Travel
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WHN) – A major storm system is set to disrupt Thanksgiving travel for millions. The complex system will bring severe weather, heavy rain, and significant snow to the eastern half of the country, directly targeting the busiest travel days of the year.
The timing is critical. With over 55 million Americans expected to travel, the storm’s arrival on Tuesday and Wednesday could create widespread delays on highways and at airports. The National Weather Service is forecasting a multi-faceted threat that will evolve as it moves east. This system, according to Bryan Jackson of the Weather Prediction Center, is shaping up to be “a high-impact event” for a large portion of the population trying to reach their holiday destinations.
Southeast Faces Severe Threat Tuesday
The first impact will be felt across the South. A potent cold front is expected to trigger a line of severe thunderstorms late Tuesday. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 out of 5 “enhanced risk” for severe weather for parts of the Gulf Coast states. Residents from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle need to prepare.
The main concerns are damaging wind gusts and tornadoes. The environment is ripe for severe weather development, and a few strong tornadoes cannot be ruled out, according to the Storm Prediction Center’s latest outlook. Anyone with travel plans in this region on Tuesday evening should monitor forecasts closely and have multiple ways to receive warnings. The threat will push into parts of Georgia and the Carolinas overnight.
Heavy Rain and Wind for the I-95 Corridor
Wednesday looks miserable. The storm will focus its energy on the densely populated I-95 corridor from Washington, D.C., to Boston. Heavy rain, not snow, will be the primary issue for these major metropolitan areas. Widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected, which could lead to localized flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas. The commute will be slow.
Wind is another major factor. Strong gusts, potentially reaching 40 to 50 mph, are forecast for coastal areas of the Northeast and New England on Wednesday. These winds are significant enough to cause major delays at key airport hubs, including those in New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. Travelers should check their flight status before heading to the airport as cancellations are possible. Driving high-profile vehicles will also be difficult.
Interior Northeast Braces for Heavy Snow
It’s a different story inland. As colder air wraps into the storm system, a significant snow event is expected for the interior Northeast and parts of the Great Lakes. The precipitation will start as rain Tuesday night before changing over to heavy, wet snow by Wednesday morning. This transition will create hazardous road conditions.
Here’s the expected timing and impact:
- Tuesday Night: Rain develops across the region.
- Wednesday Morning: The changeover to snow begins in higher elevations of the Appalachians and upstate New York. Visibility will drop quickly.
- Wednesday Afternoon/Evening: The heaviest snow is forecast, making travel extremely dangerous. Accumulation rates could exceed an inch per hour in some locations.
- Thursday Morning: Snow will taper off, but blowing and drifting snow could remain an issue.
Areas in upstate New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire could see accumulations of over a foot, according to the Weather Prediction Center. Residents in these areas should prepare for potential power outages and avoid travel on Wednesday if possible. The weight of the wet snow on tree limbs that still have leaves could increase the risk of downed power lines.
