Thanksgiving weather forecast: Heavy rain and snow threaten to derail busiest travel week

A storm will move over the central and eastern US just in time to disrupt Americans’ Thanksgiving travel plans.

Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and snow are expected to move from the central US across the Midwest and ultimately into the northeast just in time for the holiday.

The storm system will hit the Midwest and Ohio and Tennessee Valleys by Tuesday before turning northeast for the mid and latter portion of the week.

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York warned travelers in the state to be cautious as there was a risk of “extreme winter weather” during peak travel days.

Severe storms and possible tornadoes are forecasted for the Gulf coast states — between eastern Texas and western Mississippi — early in the week.

Tuesday will bring severe thunderstorms, rain, snow and wind to much of the eastern half of the US. Those storms are expected to wane on Wednesday, making way for an undisturbed Thanksgiving Day in most parts of the US.

Key Points

• Severe weather may disrupt Thanksgiving travel

• Santa Ana winds expected to hit California this week

Rockies and Central Plains facing winter storms

15:16 , Rachel Sharp

Thousands of Americans are being urged to travel safely as extreme weather and winter storms continue to impact parts of the US over Thanksgiving holiday.

The National Weather Service said in a post on X on Thursday a significant winter storm will bring heavy snow and hazardous travel to parts of the Northern and Central Rockies as well as into the Central Plains through the holiday weekend.

Snow is forecast to spread over Wyoming on Thursday and travel south through Colorado on Friday, the agency said.

14:00 , Kelly Rissman

The traffic nightmare has already hit LA

12:00 , Kelly Rissman

Flight disruptions

As of Wednesday evening, over 3,000 flights were delayed in the US, while 60 others were cancelled, according to FlightAware.

The flight disruptions arrive as the TSA predicted 2.7m passengers planned to fly on Wednesday, and AAA estimated 55.4m Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Wednesday and Sunday.

10:00 , Kelly Rissman

DOT head Pete Buttigieg tells air travelers they are entitled to full refunds if their flights are cancelled

Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg posted a video on Tuesday informing air travelers of their rights — and what compensation they can expect — in the event of flight cancellations or delays this holiday season.

“This year, we have seen some of the busiest air travel days in US history. And so far this year, our aviation system has been handling the increased volume well. In fact, cancellations are lower than they were before the pandemic, and we’re pushing hard to keep it that way.”

“If your flight does get delayed or cancelled, know that the Department of Transportation has your back. For example, we have obtained enforceable commitments from the ten largest airlines to cover expenses for things like rebooking, meals, and more when you face delays or cancellations that are the airline’s responsibility. You should also know you are entitled to a full cash refund if your flight is cancelled for any reason.”

Mr Buttigieg said the DOT’s regulations have helped return more than $2.5bn dollars to travelers whose flights have been cancelled. He recommended air travelers to visit FlightRights.gov to review their rights as travelers before they set off for their holiday destinations.

08:00 , Kelly Rissman

Wyoming will likely have a snowy Thanksgiving

From 2pm Thursday to 5pm Friday, a winter storm warning is in effect for parts of Wyoming, including Lyman and Evanston, the National Weather Service said on Wednesday evening.

The areas could see winds up to 55mph and get snow from four to eight inches.

06:00 , Kelly Rissman

Why is this the busiest travel week in decades?

Lower gas prices and more affordable flights could be contributing to a spike in travellers this year, according to the New York Times.

Today’s national average gas price is $3.281, according to AAA gas prices. That number is down from a year ago, when the national average gas price was $3.636.

The Times reported that the average price for a domestic flight around Thanksgiving was down nine percent from a year ago, according to Hopper data last month.

04:00 , Kelly Rissman

Chicago airports are expected to be jam-packed

The Chicago Department of Aviation said that around 1.65m passengers will be traveling through O’Hare and Midway International Airports between 201 November and 27 November.

“O’Hare and Midway International Airports play a vital role in allowing family, friends, and loved ones from across our nation and all over the world to gather at Thanksgiving dinner tables this week,” CDA Commissioner Jamie L Rhee said. “As the holiday travel season gets underway, the CDA has no higher priority than providing a safe and secure environment for our passengers, employees and the entire aviation community, and we thank our valued airline, federal and law enforcement partners for their extraordinary partnership in this work.”

02:00 , Kelly Rissman

Traffic in the Washington, DC area has already piled up, video shows

00:00 , Kelly Rissman

Snow expected in Colorado and Wyoming on Thanksgiving

Travel news after explosion at Niagara Falls

Wednesday 22 November 2023 23:37 , Michelle Del Rey

Buffalo Niagara International Airport has reopened to arriving international flights and departures following a car explosion that occurred at the US-Canada border in Niagara Falls on Wednesday, according to the US Department of Transportation.

The airport had been closed to the flights following the incident at Rainbow Bridge, which left two people dead and one border patrol officer injured.

According to authorities, a western New York resident attempted to cross the bridge around 12pm. When a border patrol officer directed the vehicle into a secondary lane for searching, it sped up, went airborne over an 8-foot fence, crashed, caught fire and then exploded.

Three international bridges — The Whirlpool Rapids Bridge, The Lewiston–Queenston Bridge, and Peace Bridge — also reopened after officials closed them as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, Amtrak services between New York State and Canada remain temporarily suspended.

During a news conference, New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul said there is no active terroristic threat and that she didn’t believe the crash to be motivated by terrorism.

Wednesday 22 November 2023 23:00 , Kelly Rissman

Something to be thankful for—Thursday’s forecast looks “fairly pleasant,” the National Weather Service says

Wednesday 22 November 2023 22:30 , Kelly Rissman

Hundreds of thousands of vehicles are expected at LAX

An estimated 103,000 vehicles are expected at the Los Angeles airport on Wednesday, when 223,000 passengers are expected to travel, KABC reported.

On Sunday, when travelers are expected to return, 98,000 vehicles are anticipated to return after Thanksgiving.

Wednesday 22 November 2023 22:00 , Kelly Rissman

Union workers’ rally at LAX has begun

Wednesday 22 November 2023 21:30 , Kelly Rissman

Colorado governor warns of holiday traffic delays

Wednesday 22 November 2023 21:00 , Kelly Rissman

WATCH: North Carolina hit by rain and holiday traffic

Wednesday 22 November 2023 20:30 , Kelly Rissman

Atlanta Airport by the numbers

Atlanta Airport wrote on X that 32,029 passengers were screened by 8am.

“This was the busiest AM rush in TSA-ATL history. At peak, the wait was 37 minutes and all checkpoint lanes were operational,” the post said.

Wednesday 22 November 2023 20:00 , Kelly Rissman

Great news for passengers: flights seem are being cancelled less often

From January through October, airlines cancelled 38 per cent fewer flights than during the same period in 2022, the AP reported.

From June through August, when thunderstorms threaten easy air travel, flight cancellations dropped by 18 per cent compared to 2022.

Wednesday 22 November 2023 19:30 , Kelly Rissman

Snow is already accumulating in the northeast

Danbury, New Hampshire has over six inches of snow as of this morning and southern Vermont, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday 22 November 2023 19:00 , Kelly Rissman

A birdseye view of the air traffic during the busiest travel week of the year

Wednesday 22 November 2023 18:30 , Kelly Rissman

WATCH: Transportation Sec Pete Buttigieg offers travel tips ahead of Thanksgiving

Wednesday 22 November 2023 18:00 , Kelly Rissman

Tuesday night’s traffic jam in LA

Traffic on Tuesday evening was already bumper-to-bumper on 405 Freeway in Los Angeles, according to video footage, as millions plan to travel for the holiday.

Wednesday 22 November 2023 17:30 , Kelly Rissman

Members of the White House Communications team touted lower gas prices under the Biden administration ahead of busiest travel days

Wednesday 22 November 2023 17:00 , Kelly Rissman

Reagan National Airport is telling customers to line up early — and here’s why

The DC airport is encouraging those flying during Thanksgiving week to arrive hours early. An NBC reporter captured video footage, documenting exactly why that might be a good idea, showing hundreds of people waiting in line.

Wednesday 22 November 2023 16:41 , Kelly Rissman

A potential protest at LAX amid travel chaos

Roughly 100 union workers are expected to rally to “demand that the City Council move forward a motion to raise airport and tourism workers’ wages to $25/hour immediately and progressively reach $30/hour by 2028,” SEIU-USWW said, KTLA5 reported.

The rally is expected to begin at 11am in Terminal 7.

Wednesday 22 November 2023 16:30 , Kelly Rissman

Chaos breaks out at Reagan National Airport as a mouse is allegedly on the loose

Wednesday 22 November 2023 15:30 , Kelly Rissman

Why is this the busiest travel week in decades?

Lower gas prices and more affordable flights could be contributing to a spike in travellers this year, according to the New York Times.

Today’s national average gas price is $3.281, according to AAA gas prices. That number is down from a year ago, when the national average gas price was $3.636.

The Times reported that the average price for a domestic flight around Thanksgiving was down nine percent from a year ago, according to Hopper data last month.

Wednesday 22 November 2023 15:00 , Kelly Rissman

WATCH: FAA gives travel tips ahead of the storms

Wednesday 22 November 2023 14:23 , Kelly Rissman

Today is the busiest travel day before Thanksgiving

Nearly 2.7m passengers will be flying on Wednesday ahead of the holiday, according to the Associated Press. However, that number will increase after Thanksgiving, as a predicted 2.9m will be traveling on Sunday.

The rise in travel comes alongside storms that are expected to plague parts of the country.

A winter weather advisory is in effect in parts of Maine and Vermont in the east, while in the west, the same can be expected for parts of Montana, Utah, Wyoming and Idaho.

DOT head Pete Buttigieg tells air travelers they are entitled to full refunds if their flights are cancelled

Wednesday 22 November 2023 14:00 , Graig Graziosi

Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg posted a video on Tuesday informing air travelers of their rights — and what compensation they can expect — in the event of flight cancellations or delays this holiday season.

“This year, we have seen some of the busiest air travel days in US history. And so far this year, our aviation system has been handling the increased volume well. In fact, cancellations are lower than they were before the pandemic, and we’re pushing hard to keep it that way.”

“If your flight does get delayed or cancelled, know that the Department of Transportation has your back. For example, we have obtained enforceable commitments from the ten largest airlines to cover expenses for things like rebooking, meals, and more when you face delays or cancellations that are the airline’s responsibility. You should also know you are entitled to a full cash refund if your flight is cancelled for any reason.”

Mr Buttigieg said the DOT’s regulations have helped return more than $2.5bn dollars to travelers whose flights have been cancelled. He recommended air travelers to visit FlightRights.gov to review their rights as travelers before they set off for their holiday destinations.

New York State DOT offers tips for holiday drivers

Wednesday 22 November 2023 13:00 , Graig Graziosi

The New York State Department of Transportation offered up a list of tips for holiday travelers taking to the roads to reach their destinations this Thanksgiving.

Northern New York and northern New England are were forecasted to see freezing rain and sleet Tuesday evening with the potential for some snow overnight, though accumulation is unlikely in all but the most elevated of the affected regions.

Wednesday is expected to be the busiest day for road travelers. AAA recommends that drivers leave either early or late in the day to avoid the worst of the holiday traffic.

Wednesday 22 November 2023 22:47 , Kelly Rissman

Flight cancellations and delays soar

According to FlightAware data on Wednesday evening, more than 3,000 flights were delayed and 60 flights were cancelled.

The flight disruptions come as the TSA predicted 2.7m passengers would fly on Wednesday, while AAA estimated that 55.4m Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Wednesday and Sunday.

Thanksgiving will be chilly, but mostly dry, according to forecasters

Wednesday 22 November 2023 11:00 , Graig Graziosi

After a wet and windy Tuesday and Wednesday, Thanksgiving day is expected to be relatively dry, but chilly across much of the US.

“High temperatures in the Central and Southern Plains will average 10 to 20 degrees below the norm. Meanwhile in the Northwest, temperatures will be mild for the most part as high pressure builds across the region,” the NOAA reports.

New York Mayor Eric Adams issues travel advisory

Wednesday 22 November 2023 09:00 , Graig Graziosi

New York Mayor Eric Adams issued a travel advisory for the city’s residents on Tuesday, warning them of heavy rains and strong winds heading into the Thanksgiving holiday stretch.

“@nycemergencymgt has issued a travel advisory for today, November 21, through tomorrow, November 22. Be prepared for heavy rains and strong winds. Bundle up, add extra time for travel, and follow @NotifyNYC for more updates as we have them,” the mayor wrote.

Some parts of New England may get up to three inches of snow

Wednesday 22 November 2023 07:00 , Graig Graziosi

While most of the snow that will fall late Tuesday night on New England will melt before accumulation is possible, there are some higher-elevation areas where forecasters expect it to stick.

Massachusetts broadcaster WBZ-TV’s weather team predicts up to three inches of snow could accumulate — for a few hours — in the northern, higher elevation portions of the state.

Most of that snow will be compacted and will melt as temperatures increase on Wednesday.

FAA administrator has a message for holiday travelers: be nice to flight staff, or else

Wednesday 22 November 2023 04:59 , Graig Graziosi

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker took to X/Twitter to warn Thanksgiving travelers — who are likely to face possible delays, long lines, and congested airports — to be nice to the flight crews working over the holidays.

“If you’re flying, please be nice to your flight crew. They are there for your safety. The FAA has zero tolerance for unruly behavior,” he said in a post.

Air travelers on Tuesday are most likely to experience disruptions due to a winter storm system moving from the central US across the Midwest and into the northeast.

FAA predicts nearly 50,000 flights on Wednesday

Wednesday 22 November 2023 03:00 , Graig Graziosi

The FAA is predicting nearly 50,000 flights will take off Wednesday to deliver holiday travelers to their Thanksgiving destinations.

Wednesday will be the peak air travel day, with 49,606 flights scheduled. Tuesday will be the second highest, with 48,403 flights scheduled.

Tuesday may provde a difficult day for air travelers due to a winter storm system moving through the central US into the Midwest and northeast, bringing rain and thunderstorms throughout the region.

Sunday is predicted to be the most popular day for return travelers, with 44,991 flights scheduled.

More than 49 million Americans will drive to Thanksgiving destinations this year

Wednesday 22 November 2023 01:00 , Graig Graziosi

More than 55 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles to reach their Thanksgiving destinations between Wednesday and Sunday, and more than 49 million of those travelers will be driving, according to the AAA.

The Transportation Safety Administration expects a significant portion of those drivers will be on the roads Wednesday. Thankfully, much of the inclement weather predicted for the week will be over, but drivers in parts of northern New York and northern New England should be prepared for possibly slick roads due to sleet and freezing rain Tuesday evening.

Slick roads possible in northeast on Wednesday morning

23:00 , Graig Graziosi

Roads in parts of New York, Vermont and New Hampshire may be slick on Wednesday morning after overnights storms dump a mix of rain and possible snow on the region Tuesday evening.

Snow is expected to arrived in Maine on Wednesday as a storm system begins moving eastward across the US today.

The Midwest and northeast will feel the brunt of the inclement weather on Tuesday, with thunderstorms, snow, and rain likely.

Thanksgiving 2023 expected to be busiest holiday travel season ever, according to Transportation Security Administration

22:00 , Graig Graziosi

The Transportation Security Administration said the 2023 Thanksgiving travel season will be the busiest in US history.

The agency reports the busiest flight days will be Tuesday and Wednesday.

The busiest day for drivers will be Wednesday, according to INRIX, a transportation analytics company.

Drivers are advised to leave home early in the morning or after 6pm to avoid running into the heaviest traffic, INRIX told ABC News.

Inclement weather on Tuesday across the Midwest and northeast may cause delays for air travelers. The storms are expected to die down on Wednesday.

Washington DC, Baltimore feel brunt of weather-related flight delays

21:15 , Graig Graziosi

Travelers flying out of Washington DC and Baltimore for Thanksgiving have felt the brunt of weather-related flight delays Tuesday.

Between Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Dulles International Airport, 40 flights have been delayed this afternoon.

The ongoing winter storm moving east toward the US east cost and northeast is currently situated directly over the Washington DC and Baltimore area.

Flight delays in New York and the northeast may increase later in the evening as the storm moves into the region.

California Interstate 10 reopens after arson just in time for Thanksgiving travel

20:48 , Graig Graziosi

California’s I-10 near Los Angeles reopened on Monday after it was temporarily closed for repairs. Portions of the highway were shut down after a suspected arsonist lit a fire on the roadway.

The freeway was reopened just in time to allow access to Thanksgiving travelers.

Of course, even with the I-10 reopen, it’s still Los Angeles.

WATCH: Pre-Thanksgiving forecast update

19:54 , Graig Graziosi

DOT head Pete Buttigieg tells air travelers they are entitled to full refunds if their flights are cancelled

19:20 , Graig Graziosi

Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg posted a video on Tuesday informing air travelers of their rights — and what compensation they can expect — in the event of flight cancellations or delays this holiday season.

"This year, we have seen some of the busiest air travel days in US history. And so far this year, our aviation system has been handling the increased volume well. In fact, cancellations are lower than they were before the pandemic, and we're pushing hard to keep it that way."

"If your flight does get delayed or cancelled, know that the Department of Transportation has your back. For example, we have obtained enforceable commitments from the ten largest airlines to cover expenses for things like rebooking, meals, and more when you face delays or cancellations that are the airline's responsibility. You should also know you are entitled to a full cash refund if your flight is cancelled for any reason."

Mr Buttigieg said the DOT's regulations have helped return more than $2.5bn dollars to travelers whose flights have been cancelled. He recommended air travelers to visit FlightRights.gov to review their rights as travelers before they set off for their holiday destinations.

New York State DOT offers tips for holiday drivers

18:57 , Graig Graziosi

The New York State Department of Transportation offered up a list of tips for holiday travelers taking to the roads to reach their destinations this Thanksgiving.

Northern New York and northern New England are expected to see freezing rain and sleet this evening with the potential for some snow overnight, though accumulation is unlikely in all but the most elevated of the affected regions.

Wednesday is expected to be the busiest day for road travelers. AAA recommends that drivers leave either early or late in the day to avoid the worst of the holiday traffic.

Thanksgiving will be chilly, but mostly dry, according to forecasters

18:04 , Graig Graziosi

After a wet and windy Tuesday and Wednesday, Thanksgiving day is expected to be relatively dry, but chilly across much of the US.

“High temperatures in the Central and Southern Plains will average 10 to 20 degrees below the norm. Meanwhile in the Northwest, temperatures will be mild for the most part as high pressure builds across the region,” the NOAA reports.

New York Mayor Eric Adams issues travel advisory

17:10 , Graig Graziosi

New York Mayor Eric Adams issued a travel advisory for the city’s residents on Tuesday, warning them of heavy rains and strong winds heading into the Thanksgiving holiday stretch.

“@nycemergencymgt has issued a travel advisory for today, November 21, through tomorrow, November 22. Be prepared for heavy rains and strong winds. Bundle up, add extra time for travel, and follow @NotifyNYC for more updates as we have them,” the mayor wrote.

Some parts of New England may get up to three inches of snow

15:43 , Graig Graziosi

While most of the snow that will fall late Tuesday night on New England will melt before accumulation is possible, there are some higher-elevation areas where forecasters expect it to stick.

Massachusetts broadcaster WBZ-TV’s weather team predicts up to three inches of snow could accumulate — for a few hours — in the northern, higher elevation portions of the state.

Most of that snow will be compacted and will melt as temperatures increase on Wednesday.

Rain stretching from Atlanta to Washington DC and New York

15:00 , Graig Graziosi

A band of rain stretching from Atlanta northward to Washington DC will soak the region Tuesday, causing possible delays and disruptions to holiday travelers.

The rain will move northeast from Washington DC to New York around 5pm.

Freezing rain and sleet are possible in northern New York and northern New England.

Tuesday’s forecast map

14:27 , Graig Graziosi

Freezing rain is possible in the northeast, thunderstorms are forming throughout the Midwest, and both may contribute to delays and disruptions for holiday travelers on Tuesday.

Here’s the latest National Weather Service forecast map for Tuesday.

FAA predicts nearly 50,000 flights on Wednesday

14:00 , Graig Graziosi

The FAA is predicting nearly 50,000 flights will take off Wednesday to deliver holiday travelers to their Thanksgiving destinations.

Wednesday will be the peak air travel day, with 49,606 flights scheduled. Tuesday will be the second highest, with 48,403 flights scheduled.

Tuesday may provde a difficult day for air travelers due to a winter storm system moving through the central US into the Midwest and northeast, bringing rain and thunderstorms throughout the region.

Sunday is predicted to be the most popular day for return travelers, with 44,991 flights scheduled.

More than 49 million Americans will drive to Thanksgiving destinations this year

13:00 , Graig Graziosi

More than 55 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles to reach their Thanksgiving destinations between Wednesday and Sunday, and more than 49 million of those travelers will be driving, according to the AAA.

The Transportation Safety Administration expects a significant portion of those drivers will be on the roads Wednesday. Thankfully, much of the inclement weather predicted for the week will be over, but drivers in parts of northern New York and northern New England should be prepared for possibly slick roads due to sleet and freezing rain Tuesday evening.

FAA administrator has a message for holiday travelers: be nice to flight staff, or else

12:00 , Graig Graziosi

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker took to X/Twitter to warn Thanksgiving travelers — who are likely to face possible delays, long lines, and congested airports — to be nice to the flight crews working over the holidays.

“If you’re flying, please be nice to your flight crew. They are there for your safety. The FAA has zero tolerance for unruly behavior,” he said in a post.

Air travelers on Tuesday are most likely to experience disruptions due to a winter storm system moving from the central US across the Midwest and into the northeast.

Rain, not snow, most likely for Midwest, northeast

11:00 , Graig Graziosi

The National Weather Service reports that most of the precipitation falling east of the Mississippi River over the next two days will be rain.

A major storm system will move across the Midwest and into the northeast on Tuesday, bringing with it thunderstorms and rainfall, which may disrupt flights and cause less than ideal road conditions for motorists traveling for Thanksgiving.

There are some exceptions; the Central Appalachians into portions of the interior northeast may experience sleet and freezing rain on Tuesday morning, and accumulating snows are possible across northern New York state and into northern New England on Tuesday night.

Slick roads possible in northeast on Wednesday morning

09:00 , Graig Graziosi

Roads in parts of New York, Vermont and New Hampshire may be slick on Wednesday morning after overnights storms dump a mix of rain and possible snow on the region Tuesday evening.

Snow is expected to arrived in Maine on Wednesday as a storm system begins moving eastward across the US today.

The Midwest and northeast will feel the brunt of the inclement weather on Tuesday, with thunderstorms, snow, and rain likely.