Millions Prepare for Thanksgiving Travel Amidst Looming Winter Storm
Winter weather is poised to significantly impact Thanksgiving travel plans this week, as millions of Americans embark on journeys across the country. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about a major winter storm expected to bring heavy rain, snow, and potentially hazardous conditions to large swathes of the United States. This comes at a time when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates its busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record, with an estimated 18.3 million people expected to be screened from Tuesday through December 2nd—a 6% increase from 2023. AAA projects that 79.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more from their homes for the holiday, marking a substantial increase from previous years.
West Coast Impacts: Atmospheric River and Sierra Snow
The storm's initial impact will be felt in the West, where an “atmospheric river event” is forecast to bring heavy rain to coastal and valley locations in California, along with a significant snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, potentially reaching 3-4 feet. This weather pattern will later push into the Rockies, particularly affecting areas around Denver, with an anticipated snowfall of 1-3 inches by Wednesday.
Thanksgiving Day Forecast: Mixed Weather Across the East
The Thanksgiving Day forecast appears problematic for much of the East Coast. Weather.com reports that the eastern third of the nation will be affected by a variety of weather conditions. This includes the potential for thunderstorms in the Southeast, wintry mix and slush in the Great Lakes region, and a mix of conditions across the Northeast and New England.
Potential for Accumulating Snow
AccuWeather meteorologists warn of a new storm system developing across the eastern US on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, with the potential for accumulating snow. Two forecast scenarios are being considered. The first involves a slow-moving storm, leading to prolonged impacts from the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys to the Northeast. The second scenario sees the storm tracking further south, potentially off the Carolina coast, leading to a less intense storm but still bringing rain and even snow from the Tennessee Valley eastward to the East Coast.
Airport Strikes Add to Travel Chaos
Adding to the pre-holiday travel challenges, service workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport initiated a strike on Monday morning. This strike, organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), involves workers employed by American Airlines contractors, ABM and Prospect, protesting unfair labor practices and demanding better wages. The SEIU statement highlights the low wages paid to employees, resulting in struggles with housing and even homelessness for some workers.
Record-Breaking Travel Numbers and Low Gas Prices
The already heightened travel volume is further amplified by projected record-low gas prices, potentially dropping below $3 a gallon nationally for the first time since 2021. This could incentivize more people to travel by car, potentially exacerbating any delays caused by the winter storm. The combination of record-high passenger volumes in 2024, as noted by TSA Administrator David Pekoske, and the potential for severe weather paints a picture of potential travel disruptions during this busy holiday week.
Northeast Winter Storm: A Thanksgiving Travel Headache
The FOX Forecast Center is closely monitoring a major winter storm predicted to significantly impact the Northeast and New England regions. This storm, arriving mid-week, is expected to bring heavy snowfall, potentially causing significant travel disruptions on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. The storm’s timing, falling on a major travel day, is a cause for increased concern for millions who will be returning home after the holiday. Additionally, the FOX Forecast Center anticipates some of the coldest air of the season to invade the U.S. from Canada in the days after Thanksgiving, with temperatures plunging as low as -10 degrees in some northern areas.
The National Weather Service has already issued winter weather advisories for parts of northern New England, and forecasters warn that the impacts of this brewing storm will likely linger into the following weekend. This could result in a double-whammy of wintry weather for those in the Northeast, potentially affecting travel by both car and air. There is also the potential for the first significant lake-effect snow events of the season in the Great Lakes area. The combination of snow, rain, and bitterly cold temperatures presents a substantial challenge for holiday travelers.
Adding to the travel disruptions is the potential for major snowfall near the I-95 corridor, which could ground flights, making the situation exceptionally challenging. However, the latest update suggests this event is likely to be rain further south along the I-95 corridor. The severity will ultimately depend on the precise track of the storm and the resulting temperatures. The forecast remains fluid, and travelers are advised to continually check the latest weather updates and adjust their travel plans accordingly. Preparing for potential delays and having backup plans in place is crucial for ensuring a smooth, or at least less stressful, Thanksgiving travel experience. Remember to stay informed and be prepared for unexpected changes in the coming days.
