Severe storms, snow threaten Thanksgiving travel

Severe storms and possible snow is expected to snarl Thanksgiving travel.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said Tuesday afternoon that disruptions are “likely” heading into Wednesday on the East Coast, with “much better travel conditions across much of the remainder of the nation.”

While the mid-Atlantic and South may receive much-needed rain after dry spells, forecasters are calling for “widespread heavy rains” across the region.

“Two main storm systems are expected to impact the Nation with rain, thunderstorms, and winter weather,” the NWS Prediction Center posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Forecasters also suggested a “white Thanksgiving is possible” in northern New York and into New England. Some parts of New Hampshire and Maine could get up to 6 inches of snow.

Thursday will be an easier day for travel across much of the U.S., the NWS said, except for travelers in the northern Rockies and northern High Plains, where snow will be accumulating starting Thanksgiving morning.

As traffic picked up at airports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned Tuesday morning that thunderstorms could mean delays in Charlotte, N.C., and Atlanta, both major hubs. Cloudy and windy conditions may impact flights at other East Coast airports.

Charlotte flights were halted for a time Tuesday afternoon, as a low ceiling forced a halt to departures.

“Be sure to check your flight status with your airline,” the FAA posted Tuesday morning, with a link to a tracker.

The weather news comes amid possible record numbers of people traveling for Thanksgiving.

AAA is predicting 55.4 million Americans are going to travel a minimum of 50 miles between Wednesday and the Sunday following Thanksgiving. 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) estimated that it will screen 2.6 million passengers Tuesday and 2.7 million passengers Wednesday, according to The Associated Press.

Sunday could bring even bigger crowds, with the TSA expecting to screen 2.9 million passengers, possibly breaking a record set in June.

New York City has also issued a travel advisory for Tuesday through Wednesday. In a press release Monday, the city said it is doing so “in anticipation of wet and windy weather conditions.”

“This week, as we gear our focus towards family, friends, and all of the things we’re grateful for, New Yorkers should also remember to keep an eye on the weather,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) said in the release. “We are preparing for heavy rains and strong winds over the next few days, which means everyone should bundle up and wear extra layers when heading outside.”

Updated at 3:56 pm.