Thanksgiving, often synonymous with family gatherings and copious feasting, seems poised to clash with winter’s wrath this year as millions of travelers across the U.S. brace for significant weather disruptions. With winter storms forecast to sweep across vast regions just before the holiday weekend, travelers might find their plans thrown for a loop.
A major storm making its way eastward from California's Sierra Nevada is expected to wreak havoc, especially during the busiest travel days leading up to Thanksgiving. AccuWeather forecasters indicate the storm could impact popular travel routes, raising alarm bells for those hitting the skies or roads for the holiday. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings about potential disruptions, stating, "Travel disruptions are possible with this system as it moves steadily eastward during the busy Wednesday & Thursday travel rush."
Denver is bracing for some wintry conditions, with forecasts worrying about just a couple of inches of snow, enough to potentially delay flights and slow travel on major interstates including I-25, I-70, and I-80. Denver International Airport, being one of the nation's significant travel hubs, is under close scrutiny. Meteorologist Bernie Rayno of AccuWeather emphasized the importance of tracking the storm's evolution, noting, "Track and intensity (will be) the keys to where the rain and snow line will set up and the amount of snow to fall."
Further complicate matters, temperatures across the nation are expected to plummet dramatically, with nearly 200 million Americans waking up to below-freezing temperatures by Saturday morning. The cold will last until next week, as predicted by the NWS, making this Thanksgiving one for the books with weather forecasts more reminiscent of mid-January than late November.
AccuWeather elaborated on the storm's timeline, predicting rain along the I-95 corridor from Cincinnati to Philadelphia and then extending toward New York City. Unfortunately, many major cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and even Boston are forecasted for rain on Thanksgiving Day, impacting parades and other holiday festivities.
The Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, for example, is likely to be met with rain and cold, continuing the trend of soggy holiday weather across the Northeast. For many enthusiasts waiting to see the famous balloons float by, this year may not provide the optimal conditions.
But even if Thanksgiving itself might be spared from substantial snowfall, the post-holiday travel back home could be tricky. AccuWeather warns potential heavy snow could reach parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, with snowfall rates hitting 2 to 3 inches per hour. Such quickly accumulating snow could lead to highway closures along key interstates as travelers prepare to leave their Thanksgiving celebrations.
Added to the mix, the number of travelers expected to hit the roads this year is staggering. AAA predicts nearly 80 million people will travel over 50 miles during Thanksgiving week, representing the highest travel numbers since before the pandemic. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening 18.3 million passengers over the holiday period, indicating the pre-holiday air travel rush is at its peak.
Even the weather won’t deter this record number of wanderers. Stacey Barber, the Vice President of AAA Travel, stated, "We are expecting to see new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising." Yet as every traveler knows, travel woes can multiply quickly when inclement weather joins the fray.
One area particularly at risk of severe travel impediments is Upstate New York. Heavy lake effect snow is expected to start accumulating over the weekend, particularly from Friday onward across regions like Western New York and the Tug Hill Plateau. Areas south of Buffalo could see up to five feet of snow by Monday, as the National Weather Service alerts travelers: “Heavy snow can fall in relatively narrow bands.” This leads to poor visibility and treacherous road conditions.
The New York Thruway is expected to bear the brunt, potentially shutting down sections due to hazardous conditions. The high snow totals have prompted the state to ban certain commercial vehicles from entering affected highways, as officials try to mitigate the risk of major travel disruption.
Planners and holiday travelers alike would be wise to monitor weather reports frequently, especially as conditions can change rapidly. Those traveling to popular events like football games, particularly the highly anticipated matchup of the Buffalo Bills against the San Francisco 49ers, should also keep their fingers crossed for good weather.
Coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills noted the unpredictable nature of winter storms during this time, stating, "We can’t control the weather," acknowledging the efforts of ground workers to keep roads clear. The unpredictability of snow thunder might add another twist to the weekend, showing just how wily Mother Nature can be.
Travelers are urged to prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Those commuting back home following Thanksgiving festivities may experience smoother travels, according to the forecasts, but that's not guaranteed. Those returning home on Sunday and Monday might still face the tail end of post-Thanksgiving weather challenges.
With so many factors at play, travelers hope for the best. After all, Thanksgiving is not just about turkey and family; it’s about making memories. So whether rain or snow complicates your travel, be prepared, stay safe, and make the most of your holiday season.
