Thanksgiving winter storm map shows states forecast to get heavy snow

The National Weather Service (NWS) has predicted an increased risk for cold and unsettled weather, including heavy snow for 11 states, for the post-Thanksgiving travel period, as shown by the map below.

Heavy snow, part of a winter storm, could blanket much of the northern and northeastern United States just as many Americans hit the roads and skies following Thanksgiving.

Forecasters warn that Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are at risk of significant snowfall.

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“Unsettled wintry weather is possible with this system, and a slight risk (20 to 40 percent chance) of heavy snow is indicated across parts of the Great Lakes and interior Northeast the day after Thanksgiving into the holiday weekend,” said the NWS Climate Prediction Center in an update on Sunday, forecasting from November 29 through to December 5.

“There is an additional risk of high winds and much below normal temperatures across much of the East during the post-Thanksgiving travel period, which could contribute to lower wind chill values,” NWS said.

Newsweek contacted the NWS via email on Monday for comment.

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The winter storm threatens to disrupt travel plans during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.

As reported by Newsweek, the NWS has issued winter storm advisories for wide swathes of the U.S.

Winter weather warnings are in place across 15 states as heavy snow of up to 4 feet and high winds are expected.

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Storm warnings and advisories exist across Maryland, Idaho, California, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, Virginia, New Jersey, Nevada, Alaska, Montana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee.

According to the NWS update, a broad area of low pressure in the mid-levels of the atmosphere is forecast to dominate most of the lower 48 states during Thanksgiving week and into the ensuing weekend, ushering in the most significant cold air outbreak of the season thus far.

This cold air outbreak is likely to be particularly impactful across the Northern Plains where a moderate risk (40 to 60 percent chance) of hazardous cold is posted. Minimum temperatures may fall below -10 degrees F in some of these areas.

Dangerously low wind chill temperatures are possible as a slight risk (20 to 40 percent chance) of hazardous high winds are also indicated for this region, the NWS said.

The cold air is expected to expand southward and eastward, potentially resulting in the first freeze for much of the South, where a slight risk (20 to 40 percent chance) of hazardous below-normal temperatures is indicated. The NWS advises that a slight risk of dangerously high winds (20 to 40 percent chance) is also possible.

Major interstates, including I-90, I-94 and I-80, could be affected by treacherous driving conditions, with potentially low visibility and icy roads creating hazards for drivers.

A mix of snow and freezing rain could potentially lead to power outages.

Thanksgiving travelers can stay updated by checking the latest forecasts from the Climate Prediction Center, Weather Prediction Center and local NWS forecast offices, including for short-term forecasts before November 29.

Those traveling to and from affected areas are advised to check weather and road conditions before departing, consider delaying non-essential trips, and stock up on essential supplies.