Severe Winter Storm Expected to Disrupt Post-Thanksgiving Travel Across U.S.

A severe winter storm is poised to disrupt post-Thanksgiving travel for millions across the United States, with forecasters predicting heavy snowfall, sleet, freezing rain, and blizzard conditions in various regions. According to the New York Times, the storm is expected to affect the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes starting Friday and lasting through the weekend, bringing up to two feet of snow in some areas. Meteorologist Marc Chenard from the Weather Prediction Center noted that the storm will intensify as it moves east from the northern Plains, with temperatures plummeting to 25 degrees below average in certain locations.

Winter storm watches have been issued across several states, including southeastern South Dakota, northwestern Nebraska, southern Minnesota, Iowa, northeastern Missouri, Illinois, southern Wisconsin, and into Michigan. CBS News reports that up to 42 million people could be affected by this storm, with winter storm warnings extending from Montana to New York. The National Weather Service indicated that travelers shopping for Black Friday in regions from Cleveland to upstate New York and into New England should expect hazardous road conditions.

AAA projected that more than 81.8 million people would travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday period, and the Transportation Security Administration is anticipating screening over 3 million travelers on Sunday, marking it as one of the busiest travel days in TSA history. In particular, the forecast suggests that areas in west-central Illinois may receive six inches to a foot of snow from Friday night through Saturday night. The Chicago area, a significant travel hub, could see anywhere from eight to twelve inches or more, potentially impacting major airports and causing widespread delays.

The storm is expected to bring gusty winds, leading to blowing snow and whiteout conditions, especially in the interior Northeast. Central New York state is also likely to see heavy snowfall, while conditions are expected to improve overnight into Sunday morning for the Midwest as rain moves into the Northeast. In the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, a mix of snow and rain is anticipated, with heavy storms possibly leading to flash flooding in the western Gulf Coast on Saturday. Overall, travelers should be prepared for treacherous conditions as the winter storm unfolds, affecting travel plans significantly during this busy holiday weekend.