A major Arctic cold front is sweeping across the United States during the Thanksgiving holiday, coinciding with one of the busiest travel periods of the year. This significant cold weather event is expected to create dangerous conditions, especially for travelers, as millions of Americans take to the roads and skies. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of dangerously cold wind chills over the northern Plains starting on Thursday, with wind gusts that could make the air feel much colder than the actual temperature. The cold is expected to intensify, impacting not only those traveling in cars but also affecting airports, where travelers face severe flight disruptions.
The storm system will bring heavy snow to various parts of the country, particularly in the northeastern regions. Maine, New York state, and the northern Appalachian Mountains are all expected to experience snowfall on Thursday. The snow could accumulate significantly in some areas, making travel hazardous, especially for drivers. The NWS has also predicted that New England could see significant snowfall amounts. In addition to the snow, thunderstorms are expected to strike parts of the East Coast, with Georgia, and North and South Carolina in particular facing the risk of severe thunderstorms. These thunderstorms could cause localized flooding, downed power lines, and power outages.
The storm’s impact will continue to be felt through Friday, when it is expected to bring stormy conditions to the Midwest. This includes lake-effect snow, which happens when cold air passes over the relatively warmer waters of the Great Lakes. As the cold air rises, it leads to cloud formation that produces intense snow showers. Some areas around the Great Lakes could see up to 8 inches (20 cm) of snow, creating further challenges for both travelers and residents. Additionally, severe thunderstorms could impact parts of the Midwest as the storm system moves eastward.
The severe weather has already caused significant disruptions to holiday travel. As of Wednesday, more than 4,500 flights within, into, or out of the United States had been delayed, and at least 61 flights were cancelled according to FlightAware, a flight tracking service. The NWS has also issued advisories for areas in the storm’s path, urging people to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel. With millions of people expected to be on the move, both by air and by car, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates record-breaking passenger numbers. Nearly nine million people are expected to pass through airport security over the busiest travel days: Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and the Sunday after the holiday. This marks a significant increase in air travel compared to previous years.
In addition to air travel, nearly 80 million Americans are expected to drive at least 50 miles (80 km) for their Thanksgiving celebrations, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). This surge in car travel is partly due to lower gas prices compared to last year, which has made driving a more affordable option for many. The influx of travelers has led to heavy congestion on major highways and increased pressure on transportation infrastructure.
On the West Coast, weather conditions are also challenging. The Pacific Northwest and California have been issued dense fog warnings for Thursday, which could significantly reduce visibility, making driving dangerous in some areas. Freezing fog is also expected in parts of Oregon and Washington state, adding another layer of difficulty for travelers. Earlier this week, a winter storm brought heavy snow and high winds to the higher elevations of the western US, creating dangerous mountain passes. Central California was also hit by an “atmospheric river” event on Tuesday, a phenomenon where water vapor is carried across the region by strong winds, resulting in heavy rain and potential flooding. This is the second such event in recent weeks, with a similar atmospheric river affecting the state the previous week.
In the Pacific Northwest, communities are still recovering from last week’s bomb cyclone, an intense and rapidly deepening storm that brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and snow to the region. The storm caused widespread flooding and left many areas without power. The recovery efforts are ongoing as residents clean up from the extensive damage and work to restore essential services.
Overall, the combination of severe winter weather, heavy snowfall, thunderstorms, and the record volume of travelers during the Thanksgiving holiday is creating significant challenges across much of the United States. Travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and flight statuses to avoid being caught in dangerous conditions. Authorities are urging everyone to exercise caution and plan ahead to ensure a safe holiday journey.
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