The United States is bracing for a significant Arctic outbreak just as millions prepare to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of "dangerously cold wind chills" particularly affecting the northern Plains on Thursday. This winter weather, coupled with heavy snow in regions like New England, threatens to disrupt travel plans for countless holidaymakers.
Thunderstorms are predicted to sweep along the East Coast, affecting states like Georgia and the Carolinas. With record-breaking travel volumes this year—nearly nine million travelers expected to flood airports over just three days—many have already faced chaos in the form of delayed or canceled flights. Tracking service FlightAware reported over 4,500 delays by Wednesday, along with 61 cancellations.
In the Midwest, wintery conditions are set to escalate by Friday, with the potential for lake-effect snow—a phenomenon where cold air passing over warm water creates heavy snowfall—expected to hit the Great Lakes region. The NWS has advised that some areas could witness up to 8 inches (20 cm) of snow, further complicating travel plans.
Amidst the stormy weather affecting Thanksgiving travelers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for record-high passenger volumes, particularly on the days leading up to the holiday and the Sunday following it. AAA notes that lower gas prices this year have also contributed to the surge in Americans road-tripping at least 50 miles (80 km) to celebrate with family and friends.
On the West Coast, dense fog and freezing conditions have been forecasted for the Pacific Northwest and California. Recently, the region experienced a winter storm that brought heavy snow and intense winds to higher elevations, while Central California was hit by a significant atmospheric river event earlier this week.
As communities in the Pacific Northwest recover from last week’s destructive bomb cyclone, many Americans are juggling travel plans amid unpredictable weather. The mix of wintry conditions poses challenges as residents gear up for Thanksgiving festivities across the country.
Thunderstorms are predicted to sweep along the East Coast, affecting states like Georgia and the Carolinas. With record-breaking travel volumes this year—nearly nine million travelers expected to flood airports over just three days—many have already faced chaos in the form of delayed or canceled flights. Tracking service FlightAware reported over 4,500 delays by Wednesday, along with 61 cancellations.
In the Midwest, wintery conditions are set to escalate by Friday, with the potential for lake-effect snow—a phenomenon where cold air passing over warm water creates heavy snowfall—expected to hit the Great Lakes region. The NWS has advised that some areas could witness up to 8 inches (20 cm) of snow, further complicating travel plans.
Amidst the stormy weather affecting Thanksgiving travelers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for record-high passenger volumes, particularly on the days leading up to the holiday and the Sunday following it. AAA notes that lower gas prices this year have also contributed to the surge in Americans road-tripping at least 50 miles (80 km) to celebrate with family and friends.
On the West Coast, dense fog and freezing conditions have been forecasted for the Pacific Northwest and California. Recently, the region experienced a winter storm that brought heavy snow and intense winds to higher elevations, while Central California was hit by a significant atmospheric river event earlier this week.
As communities in the Pacific Northwest recover from last week’s destructive bomb cyclone, many Americans are juggling travel plans amid unpredictable weather. The mix of wintry conditions poses challenges as residents gear up for Thanksgiving festivities across the country.
