A winter storm is poised to disrupt travel plans for millions of Americans during the Thanksgiving week as warnings stretch from the West Coast all the way to the Northeast. For those readying to hit the roads or take to the skies, this year's Thanksgiving travel is expected to rebound to pre-pandemic levels, bringing with it concerns over weather-related delays and difficulties.
A roundup of predictions indicates winter storms will impact states like California, Colorado, and New England, which could lead to significant travel disruptions just days before Thanksgiving. More than 80 million travelers are expected to venture at least 50 miles from home from Tuesday through Monday, leading to busy highways and crowded airports.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for up to 14 states, where snowfall could total three feet or more at elevated levels, particularly across the Sierra Nevada. Monday is anticipated to bring snow to regions including Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin and Michigan, with Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York expecting ice and freezing rain advisories on Tuesday morning.
The weather woes don’t end there; as much as 7 feet of snow is projected for some mountain areas through the week, particularly affecting travel routes used by holiday travelers. This would not only impact driving but could lead to delays at major airports and transit hubs, including Denver and San Francisco.
With both rain and potential snow on the horizon, travelers should stay informed about their specific routes and airlines, as forecasters predict road conditions could cause delays during peak travel times, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Rental car companies, airlines, and travel authorities have been bracing for this travel surge, investing more resources to help handle the influx of travelers.
After two years heavily impacted by the pandemic, the jump back to pre-pandemic travel levels signifies not only eagerness among families wanting to reunite for Thanksgiving but also strains on the country’s infrastructure. Car travel is expected to surpass previous years, with around 72 million people hitting the road, alongside nearly 6 million flying to their destinations.
Reservations at airports like Charlotte Douglas International reveal traffic soaring during one of the busiest Thanksgiving periods, even as airport workers have gone on strike to demand higher wages amid their frustrations with poverty-level pay. Workers from various service contractors have expressed their dissatisfaction and are vocal about the dire working conditions surrounding the holiday rush.
The forecast suggests travel conditions will worsen if temperatures drop remarkably, converting rain to snow just as families gather to celebrate. There’s still uncertainty on where exactly the snow may fall on Thanksgiving and subsequent days, leading to speculation about the best plan of action for those planning to travel. Moderate rain and snow are expected, coupled with the air being warmer than usual, leaving travelers to navigate potentially challenging conditions.
Through experiences of chaos due to severe weather, the recent memory of destructive storms shows how unpredictable Thanksgiving week can be. Highlights from recent years include the bomb cyclone of 2019, which resulted in heavy rainfall and winds, severely disrupting plans for thousands of travelers.
With such foreboding forecasts, many are reminded to prepare for the possibility of delays and to allow for extra travel time should they need to hit the roads or skies. Concurrently, those staying put for the holiday can look forward to cold but clear weather conditions across large parts of the country.
Given the expected travel volume and volatile weather patterns, travelers are instructed to keep abreast of their airlines' flight statuses and road conditions leading to their destinations. Families are also encouraged to use caution and plan for additional stops if driving to navigate the busy roads, ensuring they travel safely during what could be another hectic Thanksgiving week.
Areas predicted to receive significant snowfall include Northern Colorado and parts of the Rockies, where early predictions estimate accumulations of more than 6 inches of new snow. Residents have been preparing for winter weather for weeks but now face the pressure of holiday travel and late-season snow.
Whether celebrating with family and friends or assisting travelers at airports and on the road, everyone must approach this week with flexibility and readiness. Thanksgiving is not only about the food and festivities but also the ability to bring loved ones together—even if the weather proves challenging.
With travel forecasts indicating some of the heaviest snowfalls occurring right before the holiday itself, logistical challenges loom for those hoping to reach their destinations without delay. Suggestions for safe travel during this tumultuous time include keeping vehicles stocked with necessities and checking local weather reports leading up to departure.
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and with it, worries about travel delays loom larger than ever as the weather continues to shift across the country. Experts suggest travelers not only stay informed but also remain flexible as they navigate this year’s holiday season, which could prove to be both festive and fraught with weather-induced complications.
Despite the potential for chaotic travel conditions, many are optimistic about reuniting with loved ones this Thanksgiving. Given the effort necessary to navigate the storms, this holiday season will not just be about the food, family, and gratitude but also about resilience and preparedness for whatever Mother Nature may have planned.
For those unable to travel as planned, alternative celebrations and virtual gatherings have become increasingly popular, allowing families separated by miles to still share the warmth of connection during the holiday.
