Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times in the US, with millions of Americans journeying to be with family and friends for the holiday.
However, this year, many may find their plans disrupted as a major winter storm is set to impact four states, bringing heavy snowfall that could reach up to 30 inches in some areas, according to Newsweek.
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts that the storm will start affecting North Dakota by Tuesday morning (local time), then advance eastward through the Upper Midwest through Wednesday.
Which four states will be impacted?
The states most affected include North Dakota, Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with the greatest snowfall expected from Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Snowfall totals are predicted to vary, with 4 to 8 inches expected across much of North Dakota and Minnesota, and some areas may receive up to 12 inches.
Regions downwind of Lake Superior, such as northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, could see the most significant accumulation, with lake-effect snow bringing totals between 12 and 36 inches by early Thursday.
The combination of heavy snow and strong winds is expected to reduce visibility, create snowdrifts, and make road conditions icy and hazardous, increasing travel risks considerably.
Will air travel be impacted?
Several major airports including Chicago O’Hare, New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Seattle, and Washington DC may face weather-related delays or cancellations as rain and thunderstorms spread to the East Coast through midweek, CBS 12 News reported.
Authorities warn that this storm could cause significant delays, cancellations, and hazardous highway conditions, particularly in rural and open areas where snowdrifts and diminished visibility are most severe, several reports claimed citing NWS’ projections.
The NWS has advised residents and travellers to stay informed via weather.gov or local channels to receive real-time alerts as the situation develops through Thanksgiving Day.