Severe Winter Storms to Disrupt Thanksgiving Travel Across U.S.

CHICAGO, Illinois – A series of winter storm systems is set to disrupt travel as millions prepare for Thanksgiving this week. The storms are expected to bring rain, snow, and strong winds across much of the central and eastern United States, starting Tuesday.

According to CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan, two weather systems will impact different regions on Tuesday. One system will push wet weather into the Ohio Valley, reaching the Northeast later in the day, while the second will bring high winds and heavy snow through the Midwest.

Winter storm warnings are in effect for parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. In Grand Forks, North Dakota, residents can expect up to six inches of snow along with winds gusting to 35 mph.

The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities warned of blizzard-like conditions as snowfall rates could exceed one inch per hour. The area may accumulate between five to eight inches of snow by Wednesday morning.

While Chicago had mild weather Tuesday morning, rain and fog are expected to roll in later in the week, with temperatures forecasted to drop below freezing by Thanksgiving. Travelers are advised to prepare for potential disruptions due to rain and chilly conditions.

In upstate New York, high winds are affecting travel plans, while downstate regions, including New York City, are bracing for rainfall. This rain could hamper travel in the bustling days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Nolan noted that the most severe impacts will be felt near the Canadian border, where some areas could see between 20 to 30 inches of snow. Gusting winds in these regions could reach up to 40 mph, prompting concerns for travel along major highways, including Interstates 29, 90, and 94, as well as at airports in Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Fargo.

With more than 50 million Americans expected to travel more than 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving, the potential for heavy rains and storms presents challenges. Major metropolitan areas anticipating rain include Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., affecting major highways in their vicinity.

According to the Chicago Department of Aviation, approximately 3.6 million passengers are expected to travel through Chicago airports this week. Travel disruptions, including delays and cancellations, may occur due to severe weather in the coming days.

AccuWeather meteorologists are monitoring these systems and expect significant rain and thunderstorms to follow as the storms progress toward the Northeast. Travelers should prepare for challenging conditions ahead of one of the busiest travel holidays of the year.