As millions of Americans prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, a significant Thanksgiving weather warning has been issued across large swaths of the United States, with winter storms expected to bring snow, rain, and freezing temperatures that could disrupt travel plans. From the West Coast to the Northeast, a mix of severe weather conditions is forecasted to impact both roadways and air travel during one of the busiest holiday periods of the year.
Snow and Storms Expected Across Multiple Regions
A powerful winter storm system is moving across the country this week, bringing widespread snowfall and hazardous conditions. The Sierra Nevada in California and Nevada was hit earlier this week with heavy snow, with some areas receiving up to 36 inches in higher elevations. This same system is now advancing eastward into Colorado and Utah, where additional snowfall of up to three feet is expected in mountainous regions.
In Colorado’s Rockies, avalanche warnings have been issued due to the combination of heavy snow accumulation and strong winds reaching speeds of 30-40 mph. Meanwhile, Denver’s metro area could see up to four inches of snow by Wednesday evening.
The Midwest will also feel the effects as this storm progresses. Areas in Michigan are under snow warnings on Thanksgiving, with lake-effect snow potentially adding up to six inches in localized areas. Slippery roads and reduced visibility are anticipated for drivers in northern Michigan.
Northeast Braces for Thanksgiving Weather Warning
The Northeast is preparing for its share of wintry weather as low-pressure systems bring a mix of rain and snow starting Thursday into Friday morning. Interior regions such as northern New York, Vermont, and parts of western Massachusetts are likely to see accumulating snowfall ranging from 1-4 inches. Higher elevations may experience even more significant impacts.
For those traveling along the I-95 corridor from Boston to New York City, rain will dominate Thanksgiving Day conditions but could still create wet and hazardous driving conditions. In contrast, interior areas like Albany may face freezing rain early Wednesday before transitioning into regular rainfall later in the day.
Western New York—including areas around Buffalo—has been placed under a winter storm watch from late Thursday through Friday morning due to potential heavy snowfall near Lake Ontario. Snowfall totals could increase further over the weekend as cold air surges into the region.
Travel Chaos Amid Storm News
This year’s Thanksgiving holiday marks a return to pre-pandemic travel levels, with an estimated 80 million people planning trips over 50 miles between Tuesday and next Monday. Unfortunately, these winter storms threaten significant disruptions for both road travelers and airline passengers.
Airports across major hubs such as San Francisco, Denver, Salt Lake City, Boston, New York City (LaGuardia), and Washington D.C. are already bracing for delays caused by adverse weather conditions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported that approximately 50,000 flights were scheduled on Tuesday alone—a number that underscores how critical clear skies are during this busy period.
For those driving through affected regions like Michigan or interior New England states under snow warnings on Thanksgiving, forecasters urge caution due to slippery roads caused by ice or slush buildup.
Cold Front Intensifies Post-Thanksgiving
As if holiday travel weren’t challenging enough during these storms, an Arctic blast is expected to follow closely behind them over the weekend after Thanksgiving. Cities like Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Columbus will experience frigid temperatures with highs only reaching into the 20s Fahrenheit—a stark reminder that winter has arrived early this year.
What Travelers Should Do
With severe weather looming across much of the country:
- Travelers should monitor local forecasts closely for updates on changing conditions.
- Those flying should check their airline’s website or app for real-time flight status updates.
- Drivers should ensure their vehicles are equipped with emergency supplies such as blankets, water bottles, flashlights, and tire chains if traveling through snowy regions.
- Allow extra time for delays caused by poor visibility or icy roads.
Whether it’s rain along coastal cities or heavy snow warnings on Thanksgiving in mountainous areas like Colorado or upstate New York, preparation will be key for anyone hitting the road or taking to the skies this holiday season.
