Bouts of snow, slick travel in store for northeastern US ahead of frigid Thanksgiving
This video shows the chaos motorists experience as they get stuck in the snow in NYC on Nov. 15. You can hear the tires spinning in place as they struggle to get moving.
Cold air holding firm in the northeastern United States into Thanksgiving Day will set the stage for more rounds of snow and slick travel.
The bouts of wintry weather could create disruptions for travelers at a time when millions are hitting the roads and taking to the skies.
A round of snow will impact parts of the Northeast through Tuesday, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rathbun.
This round is expected to spread accumulating snowfall over a wide area and may prove disruptive to travelers.
The accumulating snow is expected to spread into New England through Tuesday.
A widespread 1- to 3-inch snowfall is anticipated along this swath; however, the strengthening storm can drop 3-6 inches from the Catskills of New York to coastal Maine.
AccuWeather meteorologists cannot rule out higher totals in excess of 6 inches should the storm strengthen even more quickly near the coast.
The cities of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Brattleboro, Vermont; Concord and Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Portland, Maine, are in line to receive the heaviest swath of snow and greatest disruptions to travel and daily routines.
"Stretches of interstates 84, 87, 90, 91, 93 and 95, as well as other area roads, can become slick and treacherous," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said. "Schools in New England that have not closed for Thanksgiving already are likely to delay or close on Tuesday."
Boston is forecast to transition from all rain to a rain/snow mix or all snow later Tuesday.
Travel disruptions can occur for the evening commute along I-95 from Boston to Portland and Bangor, Maine. Airline passengers should anticipate delays.
Farther inland, snow showers will riddle interior areas on Tuesday, potentially causing slippery spots and reduced visibility on the roadways across the eastern Great Lakes and central Appalachians.
Yet another system will swoop in around midweek, bringing a swath of snow showers and squalls from the Upper Midwest to interior parts of the Northeast.
Dangerous, lake-effect snow squalls on Wednesday could lead to rapidly changing road conditions and treacherous travel for drivers, especially in abrupt, white-out conditions.
People throughout the area can stay up to date with the rounds of snow by downloading the free AccuWeather app.
High temperatures generally in the 30s F across interior areas through Wednesday will likely keep any new or lingering snow on the ground into Thursday, leading to a white Thanksgiving for many.
The holiday is also expected to feature the most frigid air so far this season and may set low temperature records, making it feel more like Christmas Day than Thanksgiving.
“Air typical of the heart of winter will anchor across the Northeast on Thanksgiving Day,” Rathbun said.
Although the region is expected to be generally dry with some sunshine, highs will be held in the teens and 20s for most.
Gusty winds will drop AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures dangerously low for anyone who is not properly dressed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the Big Apple and those outside elsewhere in the Northeast.
The harsh cold will ease at the end of the week for Black Friday shoppers and those making the early trek home, with dry weather expected to continue. However, people heading out to get the best deals early Friday morning will need to bundle up with forecast lows in the single digits and teens.
A storm may then arrive during the last weekend of November with milder air, but also the threat of rain. If enough cold air lingers early on in the storm, there can even be a period of snow or ice.
How much snow do you think will fall? Make your prediction with AccuWeather's Forecaster Challenge today.
