Topline
Winter storm warnings are in effect across the United States, from California to the East Coast, as we head into the week of Thanksgiving.
The Northeast, in particular, could experience significant amounts of snow, which may impact travel plans. It’s worth noting that travel is expected to rebound to pre-pandemic levels for the first time during this holiday season.
A car skillfully navigates through the snowy I-95 South near Boston.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service is warning that California and Nevada’s Sierra Nevada mountains will experience winter storms until Wednesday. Higher elevations could see up to 3 feet of snowfall.
Tuesday morning will bring winter weather to parts of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and the Eastern Adirondacks of New York. A winter weather advisory has been issued for these areas, as freezing rain and icy road conditions are expected, which could potentially affect travel plans.
Starting Wednesday night, a cold front is set to sweep across the Midwest and South, making its way towards the East on Thanksgiving Day. This weather change will not only bring precipitation but also bring along frigid temperatures.
The National Weather Service states that the path of the storm remains uncertain, making it difficult to predict the areas that may experience snowfall on Thanksgiving Day and Friday. However, there is a potential for widespread rain and snow in the region as low pressure tracks near New England from Thursday to Friday morning.
There is a chance of snowfall on Thursday and into Friday in northern New York and Vermont. On Thanksgiving, there could be rain and high-elevation snow in northwestern Connecticut, western Massachusetts, and eastern New York.
If you’re planning to drive from Boston to New York City, make sure you’re ready for a potentially wet journey, whether it’s due to snow or heavy rain.
A blast of cold air following Thanksgiving will bring freezing temperatures to the Great Lakes Midwest and Northeast. Highs in the 20s are anticipated in cities like Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Columbus, Ohio.
Stay updated with the latest news from Forbes by signing up for our text message alerts. You’ll never miss out on the most significant stories that shape the day’s headlines. Simply text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here: joinsubtext.com/forbes.
The impact of weather on travel is significant. It is projected that around 80 million individuals will be traveling more than 50 miles between Tuesday and the following Monday for the holiday season. Notably, car travel is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels.
In 2019, approximately 70.6 million people drove to their Thanksgiving destinations, and this year, it is anticipated that 71.7 million individuals will do the same. Additionally, there is an estimated increase of 11% in domestic flights, with nearly 6 million people expected to fly.
Furthermore, international bookings have experienced a notable surge, with a 23% increase compared to last Thanksgiving. According to AAA, the worst times to travel by car are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, with road congestion expected throughout the day on Sunday, especially after 1 p.m.
Workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is a major hub for American Airlines and one of the busiest airports in the country, have initiated a strike on Monday in order to advocate for better wages.
Although it remains uncertain whether the strike will continue during the holiday travel period, the airport authorities have informed the Charlotte Observer that the strike by workers responsible for tasks such as on-board trash removal, cabin cleanup, and wheelchair escorts is not having any significant impact on airport operations.
Five years have passed since Thanksgiving wreaked havoc with severe winter weather in certain parts of the United States. Back in 2019, a bomb cyclone unleashed nearly hurricane-force winds along the West Coast, accompanied by heavy rains that caused flooding in San Diego.
Los Angeles even experienced hail just a day before Thanksgiving. Tragically, an Arizona family lost three members when their truck was swept away in a raging, flooded creek.
The previous year, in 2018, New York City endured its coldest Thanksgiving since 1901, with temperatures plummeting to 19 degrees in Central Park. Other cities along the East Coast, including Washington D.C., also faced near record-breaking cold temperatures.