Thanksgiving Travel Chaos Looms as Winter Storm Approaches Eastern U.S.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the holiday season is kicking off in a way that travelers may not have hoped for, especially for those in cities such as Chicago and Philadelphia. A major storm is gearing up to sweep across the eastern half of the United States, just in time to disrupt holiday plans for millions. Expect a mix of sloppy weather that includes rain, wet snow, and frigid temperatures, making travel a bit of a challenge this week.

The Big Storm: What to Expect

So, as families pack their bags and hit the road, what’s the scoop on the storm? It’s set to start rolling through parts of the Midwest and South late Wednesday night before making its way across the East on Thanksgiving Day. While the exact track of the storm remains uncertain, it’s clear that it’ll be hefty enough to toss a wrench into holiday travel plans.

One scenario predicts that the storm will kick off in the Plains on Wednesday. This storm could strengthen quickly, unleashing rain across the Midwest before tracking eastward toward the Appalachian Mountains on Thursday. As it makes this turn, it will tap into some chilly Canadian air, and areas in the interior Northeast might see heavy, wet snowfall. Meanwhile, those at lower elevations should brace for rain, making the day feel more dreary than festive.

Wind is another factor in this weather mix, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph in some regions. Coastal areas, particularly from the Carolinas to southern New England, might see even higher gusts that could impact both air and road travel, adding an extra layer of chaos for those making last-minute trips.

Two Scenarios at Play

There’s also a second scenario in the works. If the storm shifts its focus a bit, Thanksgiving could bring heavier rain to the mid-Atlantic region while sparing the Northeast from getting walloped. In this case, the storm develops late Wednesday night and lingers in the mid-Atlantic, potentially easing up on the New England area. However, if the storm hugs the coast too closely, a messy mix of rain and snow might emerge, making travel conditions problematic.

The weather forecast becomes even cooler as a significant surge of cold Canadian air moves in right as the holiday kicks off. Ask folks in Chicago, who might only see temperatures hover around the mid-30s, making it feel more like late December rather than Thanksgiving. Some areas in North Dakota could drop to the teens, bringing on that winter chill we all love to hate.

What About the Rest of the Weekend?

As the storm makes its exit by Friday morning, travelers might breathe a sigh of relief as weather conditions improve across the East. But the cold air? It’s here to stay! Expect chilly weather across the central U.S. with high temperatures 10 degrees below normal as far south as the Gulf Coast. Philadelphia may find itself nearing the 30s this weekend, a temperature it hasn’t seen since February!

And let’s not forget the Great Lakes: the cold air rushing over warm water is a prime setup for some lake-effect snow that may linger into next week. So, if you’re planning to hit the slopes soon, let’s just say you might be in for a treat!

In short, as families scatter to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s clear that there are some serious weather factors at play. Whether you’re driving to grandma’s house or catching a flight across the country, it’s best to keep a close eye on those weather forecasts and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store!