A significant Arctic outbreak is impacting the United States ahead of Thanksgiving, resulting in hazardous travel conditions and widespread flight delays.
Arctic Chill Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel Across the US
Arctic Chill Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel Across the US
Severe weather conditions coupled with record travel numbers create chaos for Thanksgiving travelers.
As Thanksgiving draws near, the United States is grappling with a major Arctic outbreak that is causing intense travel disruptions during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for "dangerously cold wind chills" particularly affecting the northern Plains come Thursday. In addition to frigid temperatures, regions in the northeastern United States, especially New England, are bracing for heavy snowfall, while thunderstorms are expected to sweep across the East Coast.
Thousands of travelers faced frustrations as a wave of flight delays and cancellations hit airports on Wednesday. Tracking data from FlightAware indicates over 4,500 delays and at least 61 canceled flights as holidaymakers attempted to commence their seasonal journeys. Heavy snow is anticipated to impact states including Maine, New York, and parts of the north Appalachians, while thunderstorms could disrupt travel in Georgia and the Carolinas.
Moving into Friday, stormy weather will extend into the Midwest, bringing lake-effect snow and severe weather warnings. The NWS predicts snowfall totals could reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in certain areas. This turbulent weather coincides with record-breaking travel numbers this year, as indicated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who anticipates screening nearly 9 million passengers during the busiest travel days immediately preceding and following Thanksgiving.
In the western United States, dense fog warnings are in effect for California and the Pacific Northwest, with freezing conditions reported in Oregon and Washington. Central California also experienced significant rainfall due to an "atmospheric river" event earlier in the week, exacerbated by strong winds and heavy snowfall at higher elevations.
Amidst these challenging conditions, preparations continue for events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York, offering a glimmer of holiday spirit despite the chaotic travel landscape. As communities in the Pacific Northwest recover from recent storms and flooding, many Americans are trying to navigate their way through what is expected to be one of the busiest Thanksgiving weekends on record.
Thousands of travelers faced frustrations as a wave of flight delays and cancellations hit airports on Wednesday. Tracking data from FlightAware indicates over 4,500 delays and at least 61 canceled flights as holidaymakers attempted to commence their seasonal journeys. Heavy snow is anticipated to impact states including Maine, New York, and parts of the north Appalachians, while thunderstorms could disrupt travel in Georgia and the Carolinas.
Moving into Friday, stormy weather will extend into the Midwest, bringing lake-effect snow and severe weather warnings. The NWS predicts snowfall totals could reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in certain areas. This turbulent weather coincides with record-breaking travel numbers this year, as indicated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who anticipates screening nearly 9 million passengers during the busiest travel days immediately preceding and following Thanksgiving.
In the western United States, dense fog warnings are in effect for California and the Pacific Northwest, with freezing conditions reported in Oregon and Washington. Central California also experienced significant rainfall due to an "atmospheric river" event earlier in the week, exacerbated by strong winds and heavy snowfall at higher elevations.
Amidst these challenging conditions, preparations continue for events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York, offering a glimmer of holiday spirit despite the chaotic travel landscape. As communities in the Pacific Northwest recover from recent storms and flooding, many Americans are trying to navigate their way through what is expected to be one of the busiest Thanksgiving weekends on record.
