Heavy Snow and Cold Weather Impact Thanksgiving Travel Plans

Travelers across the northern United States can expect significant winter weather disruptions throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. As of Friday, winter storm warnings are in effect from Montana to New York, with heavy snow already impacting the Great Lakes region. The National Weather Service has indicated that travel conditions may deteriorate rapidly due to snow and cold temperatures.

Snowfall is forecasted to begin on Friday and persist into the weekend, with areas in Iowa and Illinois anticipated to receive the most accumulation. Reports suggest that west-central Illinois could see between six inches (about 15 centimeters) and a foot (30 centimeters) of snow from Friday night through Saturday night. Although conditions are severe, meteorologists note that current forecasts do not meet blizzard warning criteria, which require sustained winds of at least 35 mph (56 kph), visibility of less than a quarter mile (400 meters), and lasting over three hours.

A storm system that has already delivered snow to the northern Plains states continues to affect the region. By the end of this weather event, snowfall totals could exceed a foot in areas downwind of Lake Superior in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, as well as downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Central New York state may also see up to a foot of snow, creating hazardous driving conditions.

On Friday, snow squalls are expected to produce rapid bursts of heavy snowfall, leading to dangerous, whiteout conditions across the interior Northeast. In addition to snow, the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies are forecasted to experience a mix of rain and snow. As conditions improve in the Rockies and northern Plains by Saturday, the Midwest will continue to see snowfall.

Travelers in the southern regions should be prepared for severe storms, with flash flooding possible on Saturday along the western Gulf Coast. Temperatures are significantly below average across much of the eastern and central United States, with highs on Friday ranging from the 20s to 30s degrees Fahrenheit in the Midwest, 30s and 40s in New England and the Mid-Atlantic, and 40s and 50s in the Southeast.

The snowy weather conditions on Thanksgiving have already resulted in a number of vehicle crashes in western Michigan, highlighting the risks associated with winter travel. As families make their way home after the holiday, officials advise caution on the roads and to stay updated with local weather reports.

As the weekend progresses, travelers should remain vigilant and plan for potential delays due to the ongoing winter weather.