A cross-country storm could throw a wrench into Thanksgiving travel plans for millions in the coming days, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. As the storm moves east, it will spread disruptive precipitation and thunderstorms across parts of the central, southern and eastern United States, raising the risk of weather-related delays during one of the busiest travel times of the year.
A record-setting 82 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period this year, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Early week: Storminess from the Southwest to the Plains
On Sunday, a developing storm was bringing heavy rain and mountain snow to parts of New Mexico and Colorado. Rain will be the biggest issue for travelers into Sunday night in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Flagstaff, Arizona, with most snow accumulation being limited to the higher elevations. In Denver, rain is forecast to fall into Sunday night, but snow in the city is unlikely as temperatures remain above freezing.
By Monday, the storm will shift into the nation’s midsection, delivering periods of downpours from Iowa to Texas. The heaviest rainfall is forecast to focus along the Interstate 30 corridor stretching from Dallas northeastward to Little Rock, Arkansas. Gusty thunderstorms are possible in these areas during the afternoon, which could cause ground travel delays and potentially disrupt flight operations in Austin, Dallas and Little Rock.
While rainy and stormy weather plagues travelers across the southern part of the Plains, those closer to the Canadian border and Great Lakes will have to contend with snow for a couple of days as a separate storm moves east.
Beginning Monday afternoon and continuing through Wednesday, AccuWeather meteorologists are forecasting significant snow over a swath of North Dakota, Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, with lighter accumulations farther south and west. Such conditions can make travel very slow or even dangerous for a time.
Tuesday: Storm expands into Mississippi Valley, Midwest
As the southern storm moves east from the Plains, a swath of showers and thunderstorms will spread into the Mississippi Valley. “The best chance of severe weather will be in the South Central and Southeastern states,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok.
Farther north, as the storm lifts into the Midwest and Ohio Valley, widespread rainfall is likely. Major airport hubs — including Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, Houston and Minneapolis — face the potential for delays or cancellations. Snow will continue across the Dakotas, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and parts of Michigan, where slippery travel conditions are possible.
Wednesday: Travel impacts broaden as cold air advances
By midweek, colder air is forecast to surge southward from the Canadian Prairies, triggering accumulating snow across parts of the northwestern Rockies. Locations in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado may experience snow combined with gusty winds that affect travel.
In the Great Lakes, the advancing cold air will lead to a mix of rain and snow near cities such as Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland, extending as far east as Buffalo and the eastern Great Lakes. This precipitation may coincide with a high volume of airport and road traffic ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, raising the potential for weather-related disruptions.
In addition to the wintry mix, gusty winds can wreak havoc on travel, especially over high bridges and at airports in the Great Lakes region on Wednesday.
Thanksgiving Day: Atmospheric river to douse Northwest; Lake-effect snow to blanket Great Lakes region
An atmospheric river is expected to funnel moisture into the Pacific Northwest, increasing the risk of flooding and difficult travel conditions in western Washington and northwestern Oregon. “The Pacific Northwest could face some of the most severe impacts from the weather in the days leading up to Thanksgiving,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Reneé Duff. The result will be slowed travel and the potential for flooded roads.
Meanwhile, lake-effect snow is likely to develop downwind of the Great Lakes. “Those traveling on Thanksgiving Day around the Great Lakes region may have to contend with typical lake-effect snow showers, which can result in reduced visibility and slippery travel,” added Duff.
Several inches of snow could impact travel across portions of major interstates 81, 90 and 196, within the most persistent snow bands. These snow showers can quickly reduce visibility and create difficulty for travelers, along with high temperatures that will likely only reach into the 20s and 30s.
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