A Thanksgiving winter storm could disrupt travel across the U.S., with slight risks of heavy snow forecast for 10 states, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center.
"An increased risk for cold and unsettled weather for much of the country during the busy Thanksgiving travel period" was forecast in an update issued by the NWS on Tuesday.
The NWS said a broad area of low pressure is likely to dominate much of the Lower 48 states during Thanksgiving week, bringing unsettled weather and colder than average temperatures.
A slight risk of heavy snow, defined as a 20 to 40 percent chance, has been forecast over Thanksgiving for Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine/
A map by Newsweek shows the states affected:
The low-pressure system is expected to bring the coldest air of the season to parts of the Northern Plains, with minimum temperatures potentially falling below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, the NWS said.
In addition to snow, heavy precipitation is expected in Southern and Central regions, with a moderate risk (40 to 60 percent) of rain forecast for Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.
The unsettled weather could also bring hazardous high winds, with moderate risks posted in the interior South, southern Appalachian and mid-Atlantic regions, the NWS said.
Travelers are urged to monitor forecasts for updates as the weather pattern develops.
The NWS Climate Prediction Center warned that the timing of the storm coincides with one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Do Not Travel Advisory
The NWS issued a winter storm watch for three Northeastern states on Tuesday, advising people in some regions to avoid traveling once snow begins to fall later this week.
The weather alerts, covering Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland, go into effect on Thursday afternoon and will remain in place until Saturday, when the storm moves out of the region.
"Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible with locally higher amounts along the ridgetops," the Baltimore NWS office warned. "Winds could gust as high as 50 mph."
The alert from the Pittsburgh office warned of slightly weaker conditions, with snow accumulation exceeding 6 inches and winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
Winter storm watches advising people to delay all travel until the storm passes apply to Garrett County, Maryland; western Highland County, Virginia; and western Grant, western Mineral, western Pendleton and eastern Preston and Tucker counties in West Virginia.
"Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution," the winter storm watch said.
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