Key Takeaways:
- Winter storm warnings are in effect across the northern part of the country, with up to 42 million people potentially impacted
- Over 81.8 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday period
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is planning to screen over 3 million travelers on Sunday, which is expected to be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history
- Snow and rain are expected to affect travel conditions, with some areas receiving up to a foot of snow
- Airlines are predicting a record 31 million passengers from last Friday through this coming Monday
Introduction to Winter Storm Warnings
The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is expected to be marked by severe weather conditions, with winter storm warnings posted across the northern part of the country. The National Weather Service has issued warnings and advisories from Montana to New York, affecting millions of travelers. According to CBS News Philadelphia meteorologist Andrew Kozak, "Anybody out shopping for Black Friday in these areas from Cleveland to upstate New York and even into New England are going to deal with some issues out on the roadways." The storm is expected to impact up to 42 million people as it moves across the northern Plains.
Travel Predictions and Preparations
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has predicted that over 81.8 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving holiday period. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is planning to screen over 3 million travelers on Sunday, which is expected to be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history. Adam Stahl, the senior official performing the duties of the deputy TSA administrator, stated, "We are projecting that the Sunday after Thanksgiving will be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history." Airlines for America, the trade association for the leading U.S. airlines, has predicted that carriers will fly a record 31 million passengers from last Friday through this coming Monday.
Weather Forecast and Conditions
The weather forecast indicates that snow is expected to start on Friday and last well into the weekend in some areas, with Iowa and Illinois getting the brunt of it. Six inches to a foot of snow is expected in much of west-central Illinois on Friday night through Saturday night. Chicago, a huge travel hub, could see anywhere from 8 to 12 inches of snow or even more, which could have a domino effect for the major airports. Heavy snow is forecast for Saturday, with gusty winds leading to periods of blowing snow and hazardous post-Thanksgiving travel conditions expected.
Regional Weather Variations
The weather conditions are expected to vary across different regions. In the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, a combination of snow and rain is expected on Friday. By Saturday, the snow will taper off for the Rockies and northern Plains, but continue on to the Midwest. Conditions are expected to improve overnight into Sunday morning in the Midwest, as rain hits the Northeast. The I-95 corridor is expected to miss the "big snow" through the end of the weekend. To the south, storms, some of them heavy, are in the forecast, with some flash flooding possible on Saturday in the western Gulf Coast.
Conclusion and Precautions
In conclusion, the winter storm warnings and severe weather conditions are expected to impact millions of travelers during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It is essential for travelers to check the weather forecast and road conditions before embarking on their journeys. The TSA and airlines are preparing for the busy travel period, and travelers should plan accordingly to avoid any disruptions. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, travelers can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
