Severe Weather Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel Across the U.S.

Severe weather is wreaking havoc on Thanksgiving travel across the United States, with significant disruptions reported at various airports. According to NBC News, flights in Atlanta faced delays as a tornado was feared near the airport, causing air traffic controllers to evacuate the control tower for ten minutes. This comes during an already busy travel week, where millions are expected to hit the roads and skies to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.

In Texas, the impact of the severe weather was felt acutely when at least two tornadoes struck the Houston area, damaging over 100 homes. Eyewitness Kenny Beck shared the devastation, stating that half of his roof was missing and that his family had to evacuate their home where they had shared many memories. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the storm caused widespread destruction, uprooting trees and downing power lines, leaving over 20,000 customers without electricity at one point, as reported by 7News Boston.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes with winds up to 115 miles per hour in the region, with multiple rounds of storms expected to move through Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. As these storms travel northeast, they are predicted to impact areas like North Dakota and Minnesota, where snowfall has already begun. Accumulations of up to eight inches were recorded in parts of North Dakota by late Tuesday afternoon, and officials closed sections of Interstate 94 and Interstate 29 due to icy conditions and low visibility.

In the Midwest, the weather is also turning significantly colder, with a wintry storm expected to develop leading into the holiday weekend. NBC Chicago reports that while Friday will remain cold and quiet, accumulating snow is likely to begin late Friday night into Saturday, with projections indicating that the Chicago area could see three to six inches, particularly in the western and northern suburbs. The snowfall may intensify, reaching rates of more than one inch per hour on Saturday evening.

As preparations for Thanksgiving continue, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is expected to experience dry, breezy conditions, though parts of western New York and northern Michigan may see significant lake-effect snow through the holiday weekend. This severe weather pattern has left travelers anxious, as many closely monitor forecasts to navigate their travel plans amid the chaos.

In summary, severe weather, including tornadoes and winter storms, is causing major disruptions to Thanksgiving travel across the U.S. from Texas to the Midwest and Northeast, affecting millions of travelers. As families prepare for the holiday, the impact of these storms highlights the unpredictable nature of weather during one of the busiest travel times of the year.