Millions brace for Thanksgiving travel chaos as storms sweep coast to coast with rain, snow, and severe thunderstorms
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A coast-to-coast storm builds ahead of the holiday rush
A sprawling storm is taking shape across the United States, stirring clouds over Seattle, WA, rolling thunderstorms toward Dallas, TX, and pulling colder air into northern states as Thanksgiving week begins. Roads darkened early in the morning under sheets of rain. Winds twisted through neighborhoods, and in higher elevations the air sharpened as snow began to fall.Meteorologists at AccuWeather warned that heavy rain, strong winds, and several rounds of thunderstorms could sweep across wide areas of the country throughout the week. Mountain snow is expected to blanket parts of New Mexico and Colorado first, before the system moves eastward over the Plains and into the Midwest.
“The best chance of severe weather will be in the South Central and Southeastern states," said Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather’s Lead Long-Range Meteorologist.
Storm timing: From the Southwest to the East Coast
The initial wave of rain and snow begins Sunday in New Mexico and Colorado. As the storm pushes east, its reach expands. By Tuesday, its influence stretches into the central states, pressing moisture toward Chicago, IL, Nashville, TN, St. Louis, MO, Houston, TX, and Minneapolis, MN.Hands tighten around steering wheels. Airport departure boards flicker with warnings.
The system then races toward the Great Lakes and the East Coast closer to Thanksgiving Day.
Over the Great Lakes region, a wintry mix threatens reduced visibility and slick roads. “Those traveling on Thanksgiving Day around the Great Lakes region may have to contend with typical lake-effect snow showers, which can result in reduced visibility and slippery travel," said Reneé Duff, AccuWeather meteorologist.
Widespread travel impacts expected during one of the busiest weeks of the year
More than 81 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, according to AAA. The timing could hardly be worse. Heavy downpours early in the week may disrupt flight schedules across Texas and Arkansas, affecting key hubs in Austin, Dallas, and Little Rock. By midweek, delays could expand eastward.Forecasters warn that airports in Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, Houston, and Minneapolis face a heightened risk of weather-related disruption on Tuesday.
In Detroit, MI, Cleveland, OH, and Buffalo, NY, a combination of rain and snow on Wednesday may complicate both air and ground travel. Drivers in these areas face sudden shifts between wet pavement, slush, and bursts of snow.
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Thanksgiving weather forecast: Heavy rain, snow, and storms set to disrupt travel across the U.S.Snowfall outlook: Northern states prepare for accumulating snow
A separate eastward-moving system is forecast to bring light to moderate snow to Montana, ND, Minnesota, and Wisconsin from Monday through Wednesday. Some lighter accumulation is possible farther south as colder air spills across the region.By Wednesday, stronger winds could sweep through Wyoming and Colorado, creating blowing snow and pockets of low visibility. Roads may ice quickly, especially overnight as temperatures fall.
The Great Lakes region is positioned for several inches of snowfall along major interstates, potentially causing difficult driving conditions into Thursday.
Pacific Northwest to face an atmospheric river
On the other side of the country, rain and mountain snow will return to the Pacific Northwest on Thanksgiving Day. Moisture streaming off the Pacific Ocean may form an atmospheric river, delivering prolonged rainfall to western Washington and northwestern Oregon.This could raise the risk of flooding, rapid rises in rivers and streams, and travel complications across major corridors.
Thanksgiving week begins with shifting skies and a storm that continues to widen its reach.
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