Winter Storm to Bring Significant Snow and Disrupt Thanksgiving Travel Across Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

A potent winter storm is set to impact the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions, bringing heavy snow and potentially disrupting Thanksgiving travel plans for millions of people. According to the FOX Forecast Center, the storm will affect areas from the Great Lakes to the Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, with rain, snow, and strong winds expected.

Northeast Pennsylvania and the Catskills are forecasted to receive the heaviest snow, with up to a foot of snow expected in the higher elevations. Winter Storm Watches have been expanded to include more areas of New York state, and the National Weather Service has warned of a potential “high-impact winter storm” in its forecast discussion.

In Pennsylvania, significant snowfall is anticipated in the Poconos and Laurel Highlands, with snow changing over from rain around dinnertime on Thursday. The Allegheny Mountains are also expected to see impactful snow due to a favorable upslope snow setup. Snowfall rates could be as high as 1-3 inches per hour in some areas, leading to hazardous road conditions and potential power outages.

Parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia are under Winter Storm Watches, with snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches expected in mountainous areas. This could make travel difficult, especially on Friday and into the weekend.

The storm’s impact is not limited to these regions; it is also affecting the Great Lakes area, with heavy snow reducing visibility in cities like Chicago and Milwaukee. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for northeastern Illinois, and a ground stop was implemented at O'Hare International Airport due to visibility issues.

The Transportation Security Administration and AAA are preparing for what could be the busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record, with 80 million people expected to travel more than 50 miles from home. The storm’s timing and severity could significantly impact these travel plans.