Thanksgiving Travel Alert: Coast-to-Coast Storms Could Disrupt Trips for Millions

Coast-to-coast storm systems this Thanksgiving week threaten to disrupt travel for millions of Americans, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms to the central and southern U.S., and cold air, mountain and lake-effect snow to parts of the Northwest, Midwest and East.

Nearly 82 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles for the holiday — about a 2% increase from last year’s record — with roughly 73.3 million driving and 6 million flying. Roads are expected to be busiest on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon as families begin their trips.

Tuesday

Showers and thunderstorms will expand into the Mississippi Valley, with widespread rainfall moving into the Midwest and Ohio Valley. Snow will continue across parts of the northern Plains, including the Dakotas, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and sections of Michigan where measurable accumulation is likely. A separate system will bring rain and mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest, possibly affecting higher-elevation passes.

Wednesday

Colder air from Canada will plunge into the nation's midsection, producing accumulating snow in portions of the northwestern Rockies and wind-driven snow across parts of the Midwest. AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham warned that "substantial blowing and drifting snow is forecast in portions of Minnesota and northern Michigan, with an all-out blizzard developing in the vicinity of Lake Superior." Cities such as Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland could see weather-related delays on Thanksgiving Eve.

At the same time, an atmospheric river is expected to funnel heavy moisture into the Pacific Northwest, elevating flood and landslide risks and creating hazardous travel conditions in western Washington and northwestern Oregon.

Thursday (Thanksgiving Day)

Thanksgiving Day looks windy and chilly across the Northeast, Midwest and mid-Atlantic. Bands of heavy lake-effect snow, driven by strong winds, could produce localized whiteout conditions near the Great Lakes and reduce visibility along key corridors. Several inches of snow could affect travel on portions of interstates 81, 90 and 196 where persistent snow bands set up, and high temperatures in impacted areas are likely to remain in the 20s and 30s.

Out West, snow will continue in the northern Rockies and across parts of the High Plains, potentially slowing traffic on mountain routes and passes.

Friday (Day after Thanksgiving)

Lake-effect snow will continue to hamper travel around the Great Lakes. The system that delivered snow to the northern Rockies will shift east into portions of the Plains, producing a swath of accumulating snow and breezy conditions that could make driving slow and hazardous for post-holiday travelers.

What travelers should do

• Monitor local forecasts and road conditions before and during travel.
• Allow extra travel time, especially on Tuesday–Wednesday and for return trips Friday.
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle (blankets, water, food, flashlight, phone charger).
• If flying, check with your airline for delays or cancellations and consider travel insurance for tight connections.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy lake-effect snow or blizzard warnings; follow local advisories.

Stay prepared for rapidly changing weather, and prioritize safety over schedules if conditions deteriorate.