Multiple weather fronts are expected to bring rain and snow into the Midwest, Southeast, mid-Atlantic, and Northeast ahead of Thanksgiving week, impacting some of the busiest travel days of the year. More than 25 million people were under National Weather Service watches and warnings for winter storm activity, including flooding and freezing conditions.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the central and southern Plains, with flood watches for millions of people in Texas and Oklahoma. Severe weather in West Texas might bring strong winds and even tornadoes. A long-duration atmospheric river is expected in the Pacific Northwest, delivering heavy rain and snow.
After the initial atmospheric river, waves of low pressure will spread out into the Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast, bringing colder air and snow into the weekend before Thanksgiving week. A surface cyclogenesis could lead to a major winter storm across the mid-Atlantic and New England regions, bringing cooler temperatures and precipitation.
Looking ahead to Thanksgiving week, federal forecasters expect cooler temperatures, rain, and snow accumulation on the East Coast. Some regions, like the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Northeast, could see accumulating snow. American Airlines and the National Retail Foundation are anticipating a record number of travelers and shoppers during the holiday week, despite the potential weather impacts on travel and spending plans.
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