Thanksgiving winter storm map shows 8 states with worst travel conditions

Poor travel conditions will be in place for eight states on Wednesday, which is expected to be one of the busiest holiday travel days leading up to Thanksgiving.

An updated forecast from AccuWeather shows the expected weather impacts across the nation as a record 71 million Americans are set to travel for the holiday, AAA reported.

The eight worst affected states are Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

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AccuWeather forecasts that “significant travel disruptions are anticipated for tens of millions” of travelers.

A Newsweek map shows the eight states with poor travel conditions forecast for Wednesday.

The forecast predicts snowfall in mountainous regions across the western U.S.

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AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said the outlet was tracking a storm moving ashore in Northern California that will bring rain and snow eastward two days later.

“There are many variables we are still analyzing with this storm with track and intensity being the keys to where the rain and snow line will set up and the amount of snow that will fall in the Midwest and Northeast,” Rayno said.

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After dumping several feet of snow across the Sierra Nevada through Tuesday night, leading to potential road closures on Interstate 80 near Donner Pass, California, the same storm system is expected to sweep eastward. By Wednesday, it will bring snow to a heavily traveled region of the Rockies and High Plains.

Although Denver isn’t predicted to see a major snowstorm, a few inches of snowfall could impact travel, particularly along Interstates 25, 70, and 80.

The storm is expected to deliver 6 to 12 inches of snow across Utah’s Wasatch Range and Colorado’s Rockies, with localized totals reaching up to 50 inches in some areas by late Wednesday.

The heavy snowfall in the mountains will come as good news for skiers hoping to hit the slopes around Thanksgiving.

Midweek, the storm will move across Texas and the lower elevations of the southern Plains.

Travel Caution Over the Holiday Period

The National Safety Council has issued a fresh warning for those traveling by car for Thanksgiving in 2024, forecasting 502 fatalities in the country this year.

The NSC previously told Newsweek several things people should consider doing before deciding to drive or while driving:

• Prepare before you drive by checking the oil, putting air in tires, and repairing open recalls.
• Drive distraction-free by putting away cellphones.
• Do not exceed the speed limit and pay attention to people walking and cycling.
• Designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transport.
• Avoid fatigue driving and ensure you’re well-rested before you get behind the wheel.
• Always wear a seat belt while driving—between 1975 and 2017, an estimated 374,276 lives have been saved by using seat belts.
• Protect vulnerable passengers and check the manufacturer’s instructions before installing a child’s safety seat.
• Look before you lock and make it a priority to see if any children remain inside the car.
• Understand your vehicle’s safety systems.
• Take an alternative path and consider leaving the car at home if you are traveling a short distance.
• Watch for all road users and respect everyone around by giving them space to be safe.