A significant winter storm will disrupt post-Thanksgiving travel in at least 12 states this weekend, with National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists warning of 6 inches of snow or more in the Midwest.
Why It Matters
The forecast comes as nearly 82 million Americans plan to travel more than 50 miles from home this week for Thanksgiving. It highlights the importance of immediate weather forecasts for travelers, as heavy snow can disrupt plans and lead to dangerous travel.
The heavy snow accompanies a slew of alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS), including a blizzard warning in Michigan, which hit earlier than usual this year, NWS meteorologist Greg Sova told Newsweek.
What to Know
On Thursday, the NWS issued a snowfall forecast for the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, and Midwest. Many states within these regions have already battled winter weather conditions this week, with more snow expected over the weekend.
“A significant winter storm is likely to impact portions of the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes beginning Friday through this weekend, which will impact post-Thanksgiving travel,” the NWS said in the post.
States with the highest chance of 6 inches of snow or more are Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and New York, but lower chances extend even further, including South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
A winter storm watch was issued across the region earlier in the week, with local NWS offices updating the watches to winter storm warnings for many of the impacted states on Thursday afternoon.
“Confidence is increasing for a winter storm to develop over the northern and central Rockies and track across the Central Plains through the Midwest early this weekend,” the NWS said in a key message included in the post. “Snow will begin across the northern Rockies Friday morning then spread quickly eastward to the Plains by the afternoon. Snow will reach the Midwest region by late Friday.”
Snow will impact popular roads, highways, and interstates, and in some cases, roads could be closed.
What People Are Saying
NWS in a key message about the incoming winter storm: “Heavy snowfall from this storm will likely produce hazardous Post-Thanksgiving travel conditions over potions of the Midwest. Plan travel accordingly.”
NWS Twin Cities, Minnesota, in a winter storm warning: “Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.”
What Happens Next
Snow will begin to fall on Friday and quickly spread across the Central U.S. People in the impacted areas are urged to remain storm aware and follow the advice from their local NWS office. During the heaviest snowfall, unnecessary travel should be delayed.
