The Thanksgiving return of millions of travelers in the central United States will be disrupted by a “significant winter storm,” forecasters said.
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The Thanksgiving return of millions of travelers across the central United States will be disrupted by a “significant winter storm,” National Weather Service forecasters said.
“Snow accumulation will be widespread throughout the weekend, from the Rocky Mountains and highlands to much of the Midwest,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said in an online forecast. “Drivers and airline passengers alike should expect significant travel delays.”
The National Weather Service said heavy snow, with accumulations ranging from 6 inches to more than 12 inches, “will make travel hazardous in many areas, including Des Moines, Chicago and Milwaukee.”
Saturday, November 29th, the worst day to travel.
“Given how widespread the snowstorm is, the period from Saturday (Nov. 29) through Saturday night is likely to be the worst period for travel,” said Carl Erickson, director of forecast operations at AccuWeather.
Accumulated snow could fall along a 1,200-mile swath from west of Denver to east of Detroit by Saturday, Nov. 29, according to AccuWeather.
Snow is expected to fall during the Ohio State-Michigan college football game in Ann Arbor Saturday afternoon, the weather service said, but the heaviest snowfall is likely to last until after the game.
“Winter disturbances will extend a little further east into the Ohio Valley and eastern Great Lakes,” Weather.com predicted in an online forecast Saturday night.
southern storm
While the north-central United States is suffering from snow, heavy rain and possibly severe thunderstorms are expected to hit the south-central states on Saturday, November 29th.
Weather.com meteorologists said “thunderstorms with heavy rain and possibly severe weather are possible” across the South from Oklahoma and Texas to the lower and lower Mississippi Valley. “This could cause localized flash flooding and flight delays in both Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston.”
“Possibly even tornadoes are possible,” the Storm Prediction Center said.
Storm moves east Sunday, November 30th
By Sunday, Nov. 30, a mix of snow, sleet and rain is expected in the northern Appalachians and areas around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, AccuWeather’s Sosnowski said. This includes northern and western Pennsylvania, central New York and northwestern New England.
Precipitation amounts will be heavy rain along the East Coast, especially along the Interstate 95 urban corridor, according to Weather.com. “In any case, this could result in significant flight delays at major East Coast hubs.”
Snowfall Tracker: See how much snow has fallen near you
Curious about how much snow fell near you? USA TODAY’s detailed map below shows snowfall amounts over the past 24, 48, and 72 hours. You can also check the seasonal totals starting October 1st.
This tool is updated multiple times daily to provide the most up-to-date snowfall data. Switch between time periods to see how much snow falls in your area.
US weather warnings
The interactive map below shows all weather warnings (warnings, watches, and advisories) currently issued by the National Weather Service. This map updates every 15 minutes.
Preparing your home for snow and cold
Kari Goeltz, emergency management director for Grand Forks County, North Dakota, advises taking steps well in advance of a winter storm advisory to ensure your home and family are prepared for cold weather. “Prepare for the worst day.” For example, a winter storm is so severe that you lose power and are stuck in your house for a week.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe when it’s cold.
- Make sure your home can be safely heated.
- Keep essentials such as non-perishable food, medicine, water, and pet food on hand for up to 10 days in case the power goes out or you are unable to leave your home.
- Have your furnace inspected.
- Is the snow blower working?
- Keep the cold out with caulking and weatherstripping, and check to see if repairs are needed.
- Check the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Are your water pipes protected? Some people insulate their pipes, others wrap them with heat tape. Some people let a little water drip from their faucets to prevent water pipes from freezing.
- Use battery-powered lights or flashlights and have backup batteries available.
Prepare your car or truck for snow and cold
- During winter storm and snowstorm conditions, Goertz said, people should stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
- Check the weather and make sure your phone battery is charged before your trip.
- If you must drive, slow down and make sure your headlights are on.
- Keep a safety kit in your car in case you get stranded, including blankets, water, non-perishable energy-rich food, and up to three days worth of medication.
- Make sure you have enough blankets, clothing, and supplies for everyone in your car.
- If you must travel, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
