A significant winter storm has swept into the Northeast, causing travel challenges for millions of Americans as they prepare to gather for Thanksgiving. This storm is bringing heavy snow and rain, affecting regions from New England down through the mid-Atlantic and into parts of the Southeast, where severe weather, including the risk of tornadoes, is a possibility on Thanksgiving Day.
As the storm progresses, the heaviest snowfall is expected across the interior Northeast. Snowfall is anticipated to continue throughout the day and into Thursday night, leading to hazardous driving conditions on highways critical for holiday travel. Areas in the higher elevations, such as the Catskills, Poconos, Adirondacks, and the Green and White Mountains, could receive substantial snowfall, with totals near a foot in the tallest peaks. Meanwhile, lower valley regions may see only a couple of inches due to warmer surface temperatures.
Major highways such as Interstate 90, I-87, I-91, and I-93 are already experiencing challenging conditions, which could worsen as the storm continues. Reports indicate that areas in New York and Pennsylvania have already received several inches of snow, with places like Cortez and Laporte reporting around 4 inches and 3 inches, respectively.
Winter weather alerts have been issued throughout the Northeast, with Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories in effect for parts of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, likely remaining in place through at least Black Friday.
In addition to the snow, the region closer to the coast is experiencing rain, particularly along the I-95 corridor, affecting cities such as Boston, New Haven, New York City, and Philadelphia. This precipitation has also extended to the mid-Atlantic, impacting air travel at major airports.
The Southeast and portions of the mid-Atlantic are facing their own challenges from this winter storm, particularly with a potential for severe thunderstorms. The Storm Prediction Center has indicated areas from New Orleans to the Gulf Coast and into the Southeast are under a Level 1 risk for severe weather. The primary concerns include damaging winds from thunderstorms and the possibility of isolated tornadoes.
As families look forward to Thanksgiving festivities, it’s essential to stay informed about the weather conditions and travel advisories to ensure a safe holiday.
