Winter Storms Bring Snow and Rain to Post-Thanksgiving Travelers

Travelers across the northern United States should prepare for significant snow, rain, and cold weather throughout the remainder of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. As of November 25, 2023, the National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings extending from Montana to New York, with heavy snowfall already affecting the Great Lakes region.

Snow began falling on Friday and is expected to persist into the weekend, particularly hitting Iowa and Illinois the hardest. Forecasts indicate that these areas could receive between 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) and a foot (about 30 centimeters) of snow from Friday night through Saturday night. While meteorologists have noted that current conditions do not meet blizzard warning criteria—defined by winds exceeding 35 mph (approximately 56 kph) and visibility dropping below a quarter mile (about 400 meters) for over three hours—travelers should remain cautious.

The storm that has already impacted parts of the northern Plains and the Great Lakes is projected to leave snowfall totals of at least a foot in certain areas. This is particularly true in regions downwind of Lake Superior, including parts of the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, as well as areas near lakes Erie and Ontario. In central New York, residents can expect similar snowfall accumulation.

In addition to snow, the weather service has warned of potential snow squalls on Friday, which could bring sudden bursts of heavy snow and create dangerous whiteout conditions for drivers across the interior Northeast. Meanwhile, in the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, a mix of snow and rain is anticipated on Friday.

As the weekend progresses, snow is expected to diminish in the Rockies and northern Plains by Saturday, but it will continue in the Midwest. To the south, heavy storms are predicted, with the possibility of flash flooding along the western Gulf Coast.

Temperatures across the eastern and central United States are projected to remain below average, with highs on Friday expected to reach the 20s and 30s degrees Fahrenheit in the Midwest, the 30s and 40s in New England and the Mid-Atlantic regions, and the 40s and 50s in the Southeast. The snowy weather experienced on Thanksgiving resulted in several vehicle crashes in western Michigan, underscoring the need for caution among travelers during this holiday period.

As authorities continue to monitor the situation, travelers are advised to stay updated on local weather reports and plan accordingly to ensure safety during their journeys.