Turkey Day Travel Trouble: Storms Might Ruin Your Plans

This week, a significant storm is forecasted to impact vast regions of the United States, potentially causing major disruptions for Thanksgiving travelers. Heavy rain, snow, and strong winds are expected, leading to travel complications for millions.

Storm Timeline and Impact

• Sunday: The storm will begin in the Southwest, affecting areas like New Mexico and Colorado.
• Monday to Wednesday: The system will move eastward, bringing severe weather to the Plains, Midwest, and East Coast by Thanksgiving.
• South Central and Southeastern States: These regions are expected to experience the most severe conditions, with potential for dangerous weather.

Travel Challenges

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with over 81 million people expected to travel. However, this storm could lead to:

• Flight Delays: Early in the week, heavy rain and thunderstorms may cause delays in Texas and Arkansas. As the storm progresses, major airports in Chicago, Nashville, and Minneapolis could also be affected.
• Road Conditions: The Great Lakes region may see a mix of snow and rain, making driving hazardous.
• Snowfall: Another storm system will bring snow to Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin from Monday to Wednesday. By Wednesday, Wyoming and Colorado could also face difficult travel conditions due to snow and strong winds.

Pacific Northwest Forecast

On Thanksgiving Day, the Pacific Northwest is likely to experience rain and mountain snow. An "atmospheric river" could bring excessive moisture, increasing the risk of flooding and dangerous travel conditions in western Washington and northwestern Oregon.