Nearly 80 million people are projected to travel more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving, AAA announced in a new report. That’s a 1.7 million increase from 2023, which will result in even more crowded airport terminals, gridlock traffic, long lines at the gas station, and surge charges on rideshare apps. But starting this week, Mother Nature is throwing another wrench into everyone’s travel plans: A widespread winter storm is expected to bring freezing temperatures, harsh winds, lots of rain, and snow.
RELATED: “Witch Storms” Are Predicted This Month, Here’s Where They May Hit.
Leading up to Thanksgiving, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and parts of Nebraska will get pelted with snow, according to the FOX Forecast Center. Some regions, especially along the Canadian border, are predicted to get up to a foot of snow, along with 50-60 mph wind gusts. Those commuting by car will face harsh conditions on the road, so drive with caution.
If your holiday plans are taking you to the Midwest or Northeast, and you’re traveling this upcoming weekend, be prepared for potential delays as you’ve got snow and rain coming your way.
On Thursday and Friday, the Ohio Valley, northern mid-Atlantic, and interior Northeast could get a few inches of snow, per the FOX Forecast Center. Major cities, including Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Columbus, and Pittsburgh, will experience their first snowfall of the season. Meanwhile, Charleston is on high alert for a storm that has the potential to deliver up to eight inches of snow.
As for those headed to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., rain is in your future. Starting this Wednesday, rain storms will trickle in, with New England getting the brunt of it. Conditions, including 40 mph wind gusts, are expected to last through Saturday.
“Keep an eye on the low pressure system forming south of New York, as it could bring stronger winds and crumble airports ahead of the holiday,” FOX Weather meteorologist Cody Braud, told theNew York Post.
On a brighter note, New York City dwellers will finally be able to pull out their wool coats and ear muffs. Forecasters say temperatures will dip into the mid-40s, but high winds can make it feel even colder. Folks outside of the city and in northern New Jersey will face more severe weather, including potential snow.
“Cold air aloft will be sufficient to support accumulating early season snow for the higher terrain near the Great Lakes and interior Northeast, and especially for the central Appalachians,” the Weather Prediction Center said in a forecast report, obtained by NBC News.
As for the week of Thanksgiving, the U.S. Climate Prediction Center said California, the Pacific Northwest, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and the Great Lakes region were “leaning” towards more-than-normal rainfall, as reported by NBC News. The San Francisco Bay Area, specifically, is expected to get soaked by rain.