Several storm systems moving through the country could put a damper on the travel plans of millions of Americans, with heavy rain and snow hitting both coasts during Thanksgiving week.
The many weather changes are expected to cause delays in ground and air traffic due to rain, wind and some snow The Weather Channel.
Airlines are bracing for record numbers of travelers this Thanksgiving, as the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record 30 million passengers between Nov. 17 and 28.
Now a jet stream from the West is forecast to collide with a storm gathering moisture off the Gulf of Mexico, creating dangerous travel conditions.
The North East is forecast to be particularly hard hit, with heavy rain and gusty winds causing delays and wet roads.
“A storm before Thanksgiving could impact travel from the central to eastern U.S. early next week,” National Weather Service forecasters said. “Areas of severe thunderstorms, gusty winds, heavy rain and heavy snow are all possible.”
Here’s how the forecast for the next five days breaks down and what to expect during the holiday week in your region:
Monday
A low-pressure system is expected to move through the Gulf of Mexico, producing severe thunderstorms in Louisiana and Mississippi, according to the National Weather Service.
The system is forecast to move eastward, spreading rain and gusty winds across the central US
Rain is forecast to fall across the central plains into the middle Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee valleys Monday and overnight. Rain is expected to hit the Chicago, Indianapolis and Cincinnati metro areas in the afternoon.
Tuesday
The worst weather-related delays are expected to occur Tuesday as storms move up the East Coast.
Rain is forecast to drench the East Coast and wreak havoc on Thanksgiving trips
While some parts of the country have already seen snow this year (photo: A person shoveling snow in Montana on Oct. 25), the Northeast could see as much as a foot during Thanksgiving week.
Rain is forecast to drench the Pittsburgh and Atlanta areas, with possible windy thunderstorms causing travel delays in Georgia’s capital.
Fog and slick roads are expected to create hazardous driving conditions Tuesday from the central Great Lakes to the Appalachians.
Winds averaging 25-35 miles per hour with gusts of 40-45 miles per hour could cause delays at major airports on the East Coast from Washington, D.C. to New York City, predicts AccuWeather.
Freezing rain is also possible in parts of Northern Pennsylvania, New York State, Vermont and Maine.
Snowfall is expected in the northernmost part of the Northeast between Tuesday and Wednesday. Forecasts say parts of New York and Massachusetts can expect 1 to 3 inches of snow, while parts of Maine could see up to a foot of snow.
Wednesday
As the storm moves northeast, it is forecast to bring colder temperatures that could bring snow to northern New England and parts of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The heaviest rain is expected to hit Boston Wednesday morning, after which driving conditions are expected to improve.
Parts of the Pacific Northwest, such as Washington and Oregon, Montana and Idaho, are expected to experience rain and mixed precipitation.
Thursday
When Turkey Day arrives, much of the lower 48 is forecast to experience dry conditions and cooler temperatures.
Parts of New England and the West are expected to get snow this Thanksgiving holiday
To the west, there is a chance that areas in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming could see some snow.
The National Weather Service predicts Thanksgiving temperatures in the central and southern High Plains will be 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit colder than average.
They also predict that the central and western Gulf Coast region will see highs that will be 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit below normal.
Friday
The National Weather Service predicts cool temperatures will continue through Friday.
Another storm is forecast to gather moisture over the Gulf of Mexico and the Southeast, bringing wet weather through the weekend.
However, not much else is forecast for the end of Thanksgiving weekend as a lot could change in the coming days.
Travelers are advised to take these weather conditions into account when making their travel plans for Turkey Day.
AAA projected 55.4 million travelers will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday.
They estimate that 49.13 million people will travel by car and 4.69 million by plane.
