Messy weather threatens Thanksgiving travel plans
- National Weather Service forecasts warn of cold temperatures and precipitation impacting travel plans.
- Wintry weather expected in northern Plains and the higher elevations of the West, with heavy snowfall in some areas.
- Thanksgiving Day could see challenges in transit due to weather-related conditions, affecting parades and travel.
In the United States, particularly in the eastern half, November 23, 2024, marked a significant warning from the National Weather Service regarding upcoming travel disruptions coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday. As millions prepared to travel by road and air for the holiday, forecasts indicated a strong possibility of severe weather across the region, which could include the coldest temperatures experienced this season. The National Weather Service noted the potential for moderate to heavy precipitation during the mid-week period, significantly affecting areas from the Tennessee Valley to the Mid-Atlantic, which are crucial transit points for holiday travelers. In addition to the anticipated rain, this forecast pointed to the likelihood of wintry precipitation in the northern Plains and elevated areas in the West, where heavy snowfall was expected to impact travel. The Sierra Nevada Mountains could see snowfall accumulations of up to 3 feet, while regions in the Colorado Rockies could receive between 1 to 2 feet of snow. This combination of factors signifies a challenging travel scenario as families begin to mobilize for the holiday. Colder-than-average temperatures were predicted in the eastern regions due to a high-pressure cold front moving through the central United States, contributing to the lowest temperature readings of the season thus far. As Thanksgiving Day approached, the risk of rain or snow along the East Coast heightened concerns about visibility and road conditions, especially in large urban areas where gatherings are common. Weather forecasts also cast a shadow on traditional events such as Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, suggesting that strong winds and adverse weather conditions could create unsafe circumstances for the balloons involved. AccuWeather's Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys commented on the situation, emphasizing the potential for challenging transit options not only for those traveling long distances but also for local commuters and holiday shoppers looking to chase Black Friday deals. The compounding weather issues could lead to significant transit delays, further complicating an already hectic holiday travel schedule.