As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road for Thanksgiving, the National Weather Service is warning of potential travel disruptions due to severe storms and heavy rain on the East Coast. On Tuesday, the NWS predicted “widespread heavy rains” across the mid-Atlantic and Southern regions, with snow anticipated in northern New York and into New England. This year’s Thanksgiving travel season, which is expected to break previous records, could be further complicated by thunderstorms and snow accumulation.
Given the adverse weather conditions, travelers departing from Charlotte and Atlanta, two major air hubs, should expect delays due to thunderstorms. Flights are also anticipated to be impacted by cloudy and windy conditions in other East Coast airports. In response to these conditions, the Federal Aviation Administration advised travelers to check their flight status and monitor the weather closely. As a result of the expected travel disruptions, New York City has issued a travel advisory to prepare for the wet and windy weather conditions.
The inclement weather could jeopardize what is expected to be the busiest travel season ever, with 55.4 million Americans traveling a minimum of 50 miles during the Thanksgiving travel period. According to the Transportation Security Administration, 2.6 million passengers are expected to be screened on Tuesday, which may increase to 2.9 million on Sunday. Mayor Eric Adams has advised New Yorkers to take the necessary precautions in light of the upcoming heavy rains and strong winds. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the National Weather Service predicts easier travel conditions across much of the United States on Thanksgiving Day with the exception of the northern Rockies and northern High Plains, where snow is expected to accumulate.
