The fourth Thursday of November is a time for family gatherings and festive meals. However, this year, weather conditions are likely to give a whole new meaning to the holiday as several states in the United States gear up for snowfall on the occasion. A powerful snowstorm is forecasted to hit various regions on November 28, 2024, the most exposed of which are those in the West and Midwest.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has indicated that a strong low-pressure system will bring winter weather into several states. It will mostly affect the West Coast and part of the Midwest, providing the best conditions for snow to fall.
States to expect snow
- California: The Sierra Nevada mountains are expected to get a lot of snow-estimates are ranging between 3-5 feet in some areas. The storm will start affecting the region early in the week, continuing into Thanksgiving Day. High winds, up to 55 mph, may accompany the snow, creating hazardous travel conditions.
- Colorado: In Colorado, similarly unsettled winter conditions are expected in the Rocky Mountains, with 1-3 feet of snowfall. Snow combined with strong winds may make driving conditions poor, with possible road closures.
- Wisconsin: Parts of Northern Wisconsin are expected to see heavy snowfall on Monday and even through to Thanksgiving Day
Region-by-region detailed forecast
West Coast: The Sierra Nevada will get slammed from this storm. Snowfall could start to accumulate early in the week, with heavy precipitation continuing through Thanksgiving. Coastal areas are most likely to see rain as temperatures should be too warm for snow.
Midwest: Areas such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan will have the passage of the storm signal a mixed bag of rain and snow moving eastward. By Thanksgiving Day, areas in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan can hope to deal with heavy snow.
Northeast: Into Thanksgiving afternoon, the storm will advance to the Northeast. It shares the possibility of light snow along with rain for states like New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and northern Maine. These areas, especially New York with the upcoming Macy’s parade, on Thanksgiving Day are expected to have a mix of rain and cold winds. The Adirondack Mountains can receive some accumulation, too.
Rocky mountains: Outside of Colorado, other areas of Wyoming and Montana can expect possible snowfall as this storm system cuts across those states.
Midwest: Starting Monday, the Great Lakes area can expect a mixture of rain and wet snow. By Thursday, areas like Ohio and Indiana will see cold air coming in the backside of the storm, possibly having light snow accumulation.
Northeast: The storm will impact this region on Thanksgiving Day with the primary impact being rain. However, into the higher terrain and north, this could change over to snow. Cities such as Buffalo and Rochester will likely see some light snow, whereas New York City may see only rain.
Travel impacts
A rainy and snowy mix will cross many areas of the country and make for difficult travel plans as millions of Americans head home for Thanksgiving. Meteorologists warn that icy patches and snowy visibility will lead to potentially treacherous road conditions. Delays can be expected in airports as weather systems cross over major routes of flights.
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