Millions of travelers are bracing for severe weather and traffic congestion as they journey to Thanksgiving destinations. The National Weather Service warns of an “Arctic outbreak” across the Central U.S., bringing frigid conditions on Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day.
The northern Great Plains will see temperatures 15-25 degrees below average, with highs in the teens and 20s. Parts of the Midwest, including the Twin Cities, could face lows near zero on Thanksgiving, while the Sierra Nevada may receive up to 3 feet of snow. Rain and snow are forecasted for regions downwind of Lake Ontario, with 4-8 inches expected in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Air travel could face major disruptions. Newark Liberty International Airport may order ground stops until late Tuesday due to air traffic control staff shortages. Boston Logan has issued delays averaging 43 minutes due to low cloud ceilings. San Francisco could also see interruptions from adverse weather. As of Tuesday afternoon, over 60 U.S. flights were canceled, and 1,800 delayed, according to FlightAware.
Road conditions may worsen as storms sweep across the Rockies, Great Plains, and Northeast, with interstates 55, 64, 65, 75, and 80 likely affected. Thanksgiving Day could bring heavy rain and snow to the I-95 corridor, further complicating travel.
Black Friday shoppers won’t be spared, with wind chills making temperatures feel below zero in the Midwest and Northern Plains. Travelers to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York should expect rain, while lake-effect snow will create hazardous conditions in Michigan and western New York.
Al Roker of NBC’s TODAY show urged patience: “You’ll get where you’re going—it just might not be when you expect.” Travel groups like AAA recommend planning return trips after peak travel days to avoid further disruptions.
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