Northeast winter storm threatens Thanksgiving Day plans as cold air blasts bring snow

Travel is in full swing across the US this week as millions of people prepare to head out for the Thanksgiving holiday.

And while the Fox Forecast Center expects some potential disruptions in the beginning and middle of the week, it could cause bigger issues for trips back home — especially in the Northeast.

‘Tis the season

Earlier this week, a weak storm system is expected to bring rain from parts of the Southeast to the Northeast, the Fox Forecast Center said.

This low-impact storm is not expected to cause significant travel disruptions, and the Fox Forecast Center expects any winter weather to be limited to near the Canadian border and the Great Lakes region.

Winter weather advisories were in effect for parts of the upper Midwest and northern New England as of Monday morning as a result of this first storm system.

Meanwhile, as warm temperatures persist in the east, heavy rainfall should occur along the busy Interstate 95 corridor.

But this isn’t a dealbreaker by any means when it comes to Thanksgiving travel.

Is a Thanksgiving winter storm coming?

At the same time, the Fox Forecast Center said a more impressive storm system may be working through the Intermountain West, causing snow-covered roads and delays at major airports in that region.

But of greater concern for residents and visitors in the eastern US is that the Fox Forecast Center said it will keep an eye on a winter storm that could affect millions of people in the Northeast and New England starting Wednesday and through the weekend.

On the warm side of the storm, there is a potential for heavy rainfall throughout the Tennessee Valley and Mid-Atlantic that could cause problems on Thanksgiving Day.

While more rain is expected along the I-95 corridor, concerns are growing that heavy snowfall could significantly impact travel on Thanksgiving Day and after the holiday.

“We’ll all just have to grin and bear it,” said Fox Weather meteorologist Britta Merwin.

“It really is time for the most part. This is the weather you’re used to going through during the winter months.”

The Fox Forecast Center says it’s increasingly likely that people in the Northeast who were affected by last week’s winter storm will face another significant snow storm, especially from Thanksgiving Day to Black Friday.

Forecasters said the storm and its effects are likely to continue into next weekend and could impact travel, whether by car or plane.

Additionally, the Great Lakes region may also see its first heavy lake-effect snowfall of the season next weekend and early next week.

Merwin added, “The change is the fact that it’s the day after Thanksgiving and we’ll have a lot of people traveling.”

“And when you’re faced with uncomfortable weather on a big travel day, it can be a major headache.”

bitter blow of cold weather

It’s not just snow and rain that can make the journey home frustrating.

The Fox Forecast Center expects the season’s coldest air to enter the U.S. from Canada after Thanksgiving and into early December.

Temperatures are expected to remain below average across a large portion of the US, with parts of the northern plains expected to dip as low as -10 degrees.

And if you take into account the wind chill, it can feel even colder.

Be sure to download the free FOX Weather app and enable notifications to get alerts about any changes in the forecast that could impact your travel plans.