Much of the country, from Seattle to Dallas, could experience heavy rain, wind and thunderstorms throughout this week.
Travel troubles occur during part of Thanksgiving week
Severe storms can have a big impact during the busiest travel weeks of the year.
Heavy rain and snowstorms are expected across large swathes of the United States this week, potentially ruining Thanksgiving travel for millions of Americans as they hit the roads and skies.
Much of the United States from Seattle to Dallas could experience heavy rain, wind and thunderstorms throughout this week, and some areas in the northern United States could see several inches of snow, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
The storm is expected to begin dumping rain and mountain snow in New Mexico and Colorado on Sunday, then move east through the Plains region early in the week, heading into the Midwest and East Coast nearing Thanksgiving.
“The greatest potential for severe weather will be in the South Central and Southeast states,” predicted AccuWeather Chief Long Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok.
Here’s what you need to know heading into this week.
How could the storm affect Thanksgiving travel?
Heavy rain and lightning are possible during what is expected to be one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. AAA predicts that more than 81 million people will leave their homes to celebrate this holiday with loved ones.
Early in the week, rain and thunderstorms could be heavy enough to affect flights in Texas and Arkansas, including airports in Austin, Dallas, and Little Rock.
AccuWeather forecasters said delays could occur at major airports in Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, Houston and Minneapolis as the storm heads toward the central United States on Tuesday.
Winter snow and rain will fall in the Great Lakes region on Wednesday, potentially disrupting traffic and flights in cities such as Detroit. Cleveland and Buffalo, New York, meteorologists said.
“People traveling around the Great Lakes on Thanksgiving Day may have to deal with typical lake-effect snowfall, which could result in reduced visibility and slippery conditions,” AccuWeather meteorologist Rene Duff said.
What’s the snow forecast like?
Another eastbound snow system is expected to bring light to moderate snow to parts of Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin from Monday through Wednesday. Some light accumulation is expected further south, according to AccuWeather.
By Wednesday, snow and strong winds could make travel difficult in parts of Wyoming and Colorado.
Several inches of snow could fall along major interstates in the Great Lakes region. Cooling temperatures in the region could lead to reduced visibility and icy roads Thursday.
The Pacific Northwest also has a chance of rain and snow on Thursday. An “atmospheric river” could bring moisture to the region, “increasing the risk of flooding and difficult travel conditions in western Washington and northwestern Oregon,” AccuWeather said.
