As holiday travelers take to the roads and airports, much of the eastern US faces treacherous weather brought on by a significant arctic outbreak. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that this weather system, expected to arrive during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, will have considerable impact on travel plans.
Arctic Blast Threatens Thanksgiving Travelers in the Eastern US
Arctic Blast Threatens Thanksgiving Travelers in the Eastern US
Severe weather conditions are set to impact millions traveling across the United States this Thanksgiving, with the National Weather Service predicting an "arctic outbreak" and heavy snowfall in key areas.
Heavy snowfall is anticipated over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, with estimates of over 10 inches (25cm) in some areas. Temperatures are forecast to plunge, potentially dropping to as low as -30F to -40F (-34C to -40C) across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest, according to BBC Weather's Matt Taylor.
The storm system is projected to shift eastward, bringing severe thunderstorms and "lake-effect" snow to the Midwest. States in New England and the Appalachian region may also face significant snowfall. The NWS has indicated that northern Michigan could see 4-8 inches, complicating travel conditions further.
This severe weather coincides with record travel numbers, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening nearly nine million passengers between Tuesday and Wednesday alone. Insurance company AAA reports that approximately 72 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles (80km) this week, aided by lower gas prices compared to last year's Thanksgiving travel rush.
Although airport operations have remained largely unimpeded at present, the incoming weather could lead to disruptions in the days to come, particularly along the I-90 and I-81 highways.
In addition to the eastern US turmoil, California faced heavy snowfall and high winds earlier this week due to a winter storm and subsequent atmospheric river event. This alarming weather pattern has already led to mass flooding and severe disruptions in the Pacific Northwest, where recovery efforts are still underway following last week's bomb cyclone.
As weather conditions threaten to hinder Thanksgiving travel, millions of Americans are urged to stay informed and prepared for potentially dangerous weather impacts during their holiday journeys.
The storm system is projected to shift eastward, bringing severe thunderstorms and "lake-effect" snow to the Midwest. States in New England and the Appalachian region may also face significant snowfall. The NWS has indicated that northern Michigan could see 4-8 inches, complicating travel conditions further.
This severe weather coincides with record travel numbers, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening nearly nine million passengers between Tuesday and Wednesday alone. Insurance company AAA reports that approximately 72 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles (80km) this week, aided by lower gas prices compared to last year's Thanksgiving travel rush.
Although airport operations have remained largely unimpeded at present, the incoming weather could lead to disruptions in the days to come, particularly along the I-90 and I-81 highways.
In addition to the eastern US turmoil, California faced heavy snowfall and high winds earlier this week due to a winter storm and subsequent atmospheric river event. This alarming weather pattern has already led to mass flooding and severe disruptions in the Pacific Northwest, where recovery efforts are still underway following last week's bomb cyclone.
As weather conditions threaten to hinder Thanksgiving travel, millions of Americans are urged to stay informed and prepared for potentially dangerous weather impacts during their holiday journeys.
