Thanksgiving travel plans: Navigating the upcoming storm's impact across the U.S.

We are closely following the developments of a potentially hazardous storm system, which could bring significant disruptions to Thanksgiving holiday travel across the central and east U.S. next week.

Beginning on the West Coast, two storm systems arriving from the Pacific are set to bring rain, mountain snow, and gusty conditions to California, the Cascades, and the Rockies from late Saturday to early Sunday. Those planning a ski trip for Thanksgiving might find these conditions ideal for fresh powder on the slopes. However, be mindful of possible travel disruptions if you're traveling this weekend.

As the West Coast storm system progresses eastward on Monday, it will fuel the formation of a new storm system east of the Rockies. This is expected to trigger downpours across Texas and the Mississippi Valley, with an increasing risk of severe thunderstorms in eastern Texas and the southern Mississippi Valley.

Tuesday is when weather impacts start ramping up. An arctic cold front from Canada will merge with the new storm system moving into the East. This convergence of colder air moving southward and moisture from the Gulf and Atlantic streaming northward will intensify the system.

Expect heavy rain and thunderstorms across the central Gulf Coast, extending northward into the Southeast and South from Tuesday into early Wednesday. Meanwhile, cold rain will affect the busy I-95 corridor, spanning from Washington to New York City.

On Wednesday, the peak travel day before Thanksgiving, heavy rain will reach southern and coastal New England, including Boston, and the New York City area. In northern New England, just enough cold air will lead to wet snow across the interior regions.

Simultaneously, snow could also affect the Great Lakes area. Strong winds and heavy precipitation are likely to cause travel delays in these regions. The extent of the delays is still uncertain, given that we are still several days away.

On Thanksgiving Day, arctic air will cover the Midwest and Great Lakes, initiating the season's first significant lake-effect snow in the usual snow belts. Meanwhile, in northern Florida and the Gulf Coast, rain and thunderstorms will persist as the cold front moves southward. The silver lining is the anticipation of generally drier conditions across much of the central and east U.S. compared to Wednesday.

Our Weather & Radar meteorologists are diligently tracking next week’s weather and its potential impact on holiday travel. Starting Monday, we will begin providing daily live updates on weather conditions and travel.