A brewing storm in the eastern United States could bring rain, snow, and wind during Thanksgiving week, potentially disrupting holiday travel and parades.
Meteorologists for weather news website AccuWeather project two possible scenarios for the storm, which may impact the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and the Northeast through Black Friday.
Scenario 1: Stronger, Slower-Moving Storm
The first scenario involves a slow-moving storm, meaning potentially longer-lasting impacts, including snow buildup from the Tennessee and Ohio valleys through the Northeast.
Rain is expected to drench lower elevations, while gusty winds of up to 30 mph or more could disrupt travel from the Carolinas to New England.
AccuWeather predicts gusts could pose risks to Thanksgiving parades, as sustained winds above 23 mph or gusts exceeding 34 mph make it unsafe for large balloons in cities like New York and Philadelphia.
The storm would exit the U.S. by Friday, leaving dry but breezy conditions across the East for Black Friday shoppers and post-holiday travelers.
Scenario 2: Weaker, Southern-Tracking Storm
The second scenario suggests the storm will develop farther south in the Tennessee Valley and move along the mid-Atlantic coast through Friday morning.
This track would likely limit snow accumulation in the Northeast, with a wetter Thanksgiving expected for the mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
A mix of rain and snow could develop in the Northeast on Friday, depending on whether the storm hugs the coastline or tracks farther out to sea.
Minimal wet weather is expected along the Northeast coast if the storm moves farther offshore, potentially easing travel challenges.
Cold Air Forecast
Regardless of the storm's path, the eastern U.S. will experience cold temperatures through Thanksgiving.
CNN reported that Chicago may struggle to reach the mid-30s, while cities like Philadelphia and New York City could see high temperatures in the 30s over the holiday weekend.
Lake-effect snow is expected to follow as cold air flows over the Great Lakes, creating a potential for continued snowfall into early December.
Travel Caution Over the Holiday Period
The National Safety Council (NSC) has issued a fresh warning for those traveling by car for Thanksgiving in 2024, forecasting 502 fatalities in the country this year.
The NSC previously told Newsweek several things people should consider doing before deciding to drive or while driving:
- Prepare before you drive by checking the oil, putting air in tires, and checking/fixing if there are product recall notices active for your vehicle.
- Drive distraction-free by putting away cellphones.
- Do not exceed the speed limit and pay attention to people walking and cycling.
- Designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transport.
- Avoid fatigue driving and ensure you're well-rested before you get behind the wheel.
- Always wear a seat belt while driving—between 1975 and 2017, an estimated 374,276 lives have been saved by using seat belts.
- Protect vulnerable passengers and check the manufacturer's instructions before installing a child's safety seat.
- Look before you lock and make it a priority to see if any children remain inside the car.
- Understand your vehicle's safety systems.
- Take an alternative path and consider leaving the car at home if you are traveling a short distance.
- Watch for all road users and respect everyone around by giving them space to be safe.
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