A significant weather system is set to disrupt Thanksgiving travel plans across the United States, with a deep cyclone expected to bring blizzard conditions to the Great Lakes region. The storm, followed by another strong system this weekend, promises to make journeys challenging, especially across the northern plains.
Storm System Details and Forecast
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a powerful cyclone is moving eastward across the Great Lakes and is forecast to expand in size. This system is predicted to cause blizzard conditions through the Thanksgiving holiday. The Snow Belt along the south shore of Lake Superior, including the Arrowhead region, is bracing to receive well over a foot of snow.
For the remainder of the Great Lakes, rain will gradually change over to all snow by Thanksgiving morning, accompanied by windy conditions. The NWS has indicated that more lake-effect snow bands will impact the Snow Belt downwind from the Great Lakes into Friday, particularly affecting the lower Great Lakes. Meanwhile, snow in the upper Great Lakes is expected to taper off by Friday morning.
Temperature Swings and Regional Impacts
While the central and northern US faces a wintry blast, a contrasting weather pattern is unfolding elsewhere. Much of the eastern US will experience another day of milder than normal temperatures alongside scattered showers and a chance of thunderstorms in the Southeast. The western US is also expected to remain milder than normal through the holiday.
However, a dramatic shift is coming. Polar air will plunge southward, settling across the entire central and eastern US. Temperatures are forecast to fall to the freezing mark as far south as the Florida Panhandle by Friday morning.
Warnings and Travel Advisories
Weather authorities have issued multiple warnings, emphasizing the serious nature of this event. The Cleaveland NWS warned of moderate to major impacts from the heavy lake-effect snow, stating that the combination of heavy snow and strong winds will likely result in hazardous travel conditions. They advised the public to avoid travel if possible and to use extra caution if venturing out.
The Detroit NWS has issued a Gale Warning effective through Friday morning for all of Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, and Michigan waters of Lake Erie, with sustained gales and gusts up to 45 knots possible. A Low Water Advisory is also in effect for Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie. Additionally, a wind advisory is in effect for Detroit, with wind gusts potentially reaching 45 MPH.
As families prepare for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, this potent mix of snow, wind, and plummeting temperatures is poised to create significant challenges on the roads and at airports.
