Severe Weather Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel Across the U.S.

Severe weather has wreaked havoc on Thanksgiving travel across the United States, with snowstorms and Arctic air creating dangerous conditions for millions returning home after the holiday. According to 7News Boston, travelers have been adjusting their plans to avoid the anticipated rush at airports due to the weather. For instance, Ryan Olson, who extended his stay in Boston to fly to Georgia, shared that he hoped to escape the busy airport scene. Others, like Michael Dineen, opted to travel earlier to avoid crowds and save on costs, indicating that traveling on Friday seemed less hectic. A significant storm system moving through the Rocky Mountains has morphed into a cross-country storm, threatening to deliver heavy rain and several inches of snow across a vast area this weekend.

The Bangor Daily News reports that winter storm warnings were issued across much of the northern United States, from Montana to New York, with snow expected to start as early as Friday and continue into the weekend. Areas in Iowa and Illinois are bracing for significant snowfall, with forecasts predicting six inches to as much as a foot of snow in west-central Illinois from Friday night through Saturday night. Although conditions have not reached blizzard warning criteria, dangerous driving conditions are expected, particularly in eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois where the winter storm severity index has flagged highly dangerous conditions.

In the Great Lakes region, snowfall totals could exceed a foot, especially in areas downwind of Lake Superior and in parts of Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The National Weather Service has noted that snow squalls could result in quick bursts of heavy snow and whiteout conditions, making travel exceptionally hazardous. Furthermore, the weather across the eastern and central United States has been notably colder than average, with highs only reaching the 20s and 30s in the Midwest and 30s and 40s in New England, as reported by Bangor Daily News.

Travelers in the Pacific Northwest and Rockies are also facing a mix of snow and rain, with the weather expected to shift later. On the southern front, storms may lead to flash flooding, particularly in the western Gulf Coast. As travelers navigate these treacherous conditions, the impact on airport operations is significant, with many attempting to adjust their travel plans to avoid delays and cancellations. The weather has already caused multiple vehicle crashes in western Michigan, illustrating the dangers posed by the winter storm. With millions on the move, the hope remains that travelers can safely return home despite the severe weather disruptions across the country.