In brief
Heavy snowfall is predicted to affect travel plans this Thanksgiving weekend, with winter storm warnings issued from Montana to New York. Areas, particularly in Iowa and Illinois, are expected to receive up to a foot of snow. Motorists are warned of potential whiteout conditions in parts of the Northeast. The Great Lakes region continues to experience fallout from earlier storms, complicating holiday travel plans.
Travelers face significant weather challenges this Thanksgiving weekend as winter storms bring snow, rain, and cold temperatures across various regions, particularly in the northern U.S. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings that span from Montana to New York, with snowfall expected to persist into the weekend, especially in Iowa and Illinois.
According to forecasts, some areas could see between six inches (approximately 15 centimeters) to a foot (30 centimeters) of snow between Friday night and Saturday night. Although current conditions do not yet meet blizzard warning criteria—which require sustained winds of at least 35 mph (56 kph) and visibilities of less than a quarter mile—precautions are still advised for travelers.
The northern Plains states and the Great Lakes region are currently dealing with continuing snowfall from a prior storm. By the end of the weekend, certain locations, particularly downwind of Lakes Superior, Erie, and Ontario, could accumulate significant snowfall totals, pushing totals to well over a foot in those areas.
Moreover, snow squalls in the Northeast may bring quick bursts of heavy snow and potentially dangerous driving conditions.
In addition to the snowy weather in the northern regions, the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies are expected to see a mix of snow and rain, although conditions should improve in these areas by Saturday.
Travelers to the Gulf Coast should be aware of scattered storms that could cause flash flooding, particularly in the western areas. As temperatures across the Midwest are predicted to remain well below average, with highs in the 20s and 30s degrees Fahrenheit, caution is paramount for holiday travel.
