Tens of millions of Americans will be impacted by a storm set to drench the eastern United States this Thanksgiving.
An updated forecast from AccuWeather shows the expected weather impacts across the entire east of the nation, with 17 states the worst affected for travel conditions. These are Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Carolina.
AccuWeather forecasts that "significant travel delays for tens of millions" are anticipated, with snow and drenching rain expected.
A Newsweek map shows the 17 states with poor travel conditions forecast for Thursday.
AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said the outlet was tracking the storm that would bring snow and create slushy conditions on several highways.
"For the most part, where snow falls along portions of the Interstate 70 and 80 corridors in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio and on into part of western Pennsylvania, snow will melt on the roads," Rayno said.
"But, where and when it manages to come down harder there can be some slushy and slippery areas."
Low cloud cover and rain could also disrupt air travel. As the storm moves through major hubs in the East, flight delays and cancellations are expected to increase.
Rain is expected to taper off in Washington, D.C., by midmorning and in Philadelphia around midday. In New York City, rainfall will likely drench parade-goers in the morning, with clearing expected by midafternoon. Boston, however, could see rain persist all day and possibly into the evening.
In the Ohio Valley, most of the rain and snow is forecast to taper off by Thanksgiving morning.
Slippery travel is likely in higher elevations from northern Pennsylvania and parts of New York state, including western, central, and east-central areas, to central New England. In northeastern New York and northern New England, snow is expected to accumulate on roads, affecting both lower elevations and mountainous regions.
Travel Caution Over the Holiday Period
The National Safety Council 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 and putting air in tires.
- 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 are 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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