A significant winter storm threatens pre-Thanksgiving travel across a substantial portion of the northern United States. More than 10 million individuals in at least nine states, from Montana to New York, are under winter weather alerts.
Impact on Thanksgiving Travel
The storm is expected to affect travel from today into tomorrow, particularly in the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Northeast regions.
Upper Midwest Conditions
In the Upper Midwest, cold rain will transition to snow later today. The heaviest snowfall will occur from the eastern Dakotas through northern Wisconsin and into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Some areas may receive more than one foot of snow.
- Minneapolis-St. Paul: 4 to 8 inches of snow expected.
- This will be the first accumulating snowfall of the season for the Twin Cities.
Travel Issues in the Great Lakes
Travelers in the eastern Great Lakes should anticipate challenging conditions. Rain will convert to lake-effect snow by late Wednesday, continuing through Thanksgiving.
Ohio Valley Forecast
Rainfall across the Ohio Valley is expected on Tuesday due to a separate storm system that impacted the South earlier. Fortunately, the severity of this system will decrease, bringing light rain rather than significant disruptions.
Northeast Weather Challenges
Air travel in the Northeast may face complications starting Tuesday afternoon due to rain and low clouds. Some travel issues could persist into Wednesday morning at major airports.
Conditions in the West
Meanwhile, the West Coast will experience steady, cold rain in Seattle and Portland, Oregon. However, the remainder of the West Coast is predicted to remain free of any weather-related travel disruptions.
Travelers should stay updated as this winter storm progresses, ensuring safety during their Thanksgiving journeys.
