A winter storm during Thanksgiving may impact travel throughout the U.S., with minor chances of heavy snowfall predicted for 10 states, as reported by the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center.
“An increased risk for cold and unsettled weather for much of the country during the busy Thanksgiving travel period” was forecast in an update issued by the NWS on Tuesday.
A wide area of low pressure is expected to influence a large portion of the Lower 48 states during Thanksgiving week, resulting in unpredictable weather and cooler-than-usual temperatures.
A modest chance of significant snowfall, estimated between 20 to 40 percent, is expected this Thanksgiving across Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
A low-pressure system is set to deliver the coldest air of the season to areas in the Northern Plains, with minimum temperatures possibly dropping below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the NWS.
Southern and Central regions are set to experience heavy precipitation alongside snow, with a moderate chance (40 to 60 percent) of rain predicted for Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
The unpredictable weather may lead to dangerously high winds, with moderate risks indicated for the interior South, southern Appalachian, and mid-Atlantic areas, according to the NWS.
Travelers should keep an eye on forecasts for the latest updates as the weather situation evolves. The Climate Prediction Center has alerted that the storm’s timing aligns with a peak travel season.
Travel Warning Issued
A winter storm watch has been announced by the NWS for three states in the Northeast, urging residents in certain areas to refrain from traveling as snow is expected to start falling later this week.
Weather alerts for Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland will start on Thursday afternoon and stay active until Saturday, when the storm exits the area.
“Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible with locally higher amounts along the ridgetops,” the Baltimore NWS office warned. “Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.”
The Pittsburgh office issued a warning about slightly deteriorating conditions, indicating snow accumulation could surpass 6 inches, accompanied by wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph.
Travel delays are recommended due to winter storm watches in effect for Garrett County, Maryland; western Highland County, Virginia; and western Grant, western Mineral, western Pendleton, and eastern Preston and Tucker counties in West Virginia.
“Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution,” the winter storm watch said.