The National Weather Service has issued urgent warnings about a significant winter storm system that is set to disrupt Thanksgiving week across several parts of the United States. The weather phenomenon is expected to bring substantial snowfall and challenging travel conditions during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Storm Timeline and Affected Regions
According to weather authorities, the winter storm will begin impacting the Northern Plains by Tuesday morning and continue through Wednesday. The National Weather Service specifically highlighted that a trough over the Northern Rockies and Northern Plains will be responsible for bringing freezing rain and moderate to heavy snow across portions of the Northern Rockies.
The weather agency emphasized in their latest press release that a storm will bring heavy snow and gusty winds over parts of the northern Rockies, northern Plains, and Upper Midwest from today into Wednesday. The prevailing weather system is expected to deliver snow in the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Upper Great Lakes going into Wednesday.
Expected Snowfall Accumulations
The National Weather Service has provided specific snowfall predictions that indicate significant accumulations across multiple regions. Residents in North Dakota and Minnesota should prepare for 4 to 8 inches of snowfall, with some areas potentially experiencing up to 12 inches of snow.
Even more dramatically, the Lake Superior region is expected to receive 1 to 3 feet of snowfall, creating potentially hazardous conditions. Moderate to heavy snow bands will move through Northern Montana and parts of North Dakota by early November 25 morning.
Travel Impacts and Safety Recommendations
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the National Weather Service stated that Key Messages have been initiated for a winter storm to impact the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes this Thanksgiving week. They specifically warned that periods of heavy snow and gusty winds may make travel difficult at times.
The weather service strongly advised travelers to check updated forecasts and road conditions before embarking on Thanksgiving journeys. The combination of heavy snowfall and gusty winds could create whiteout conditions and slippery roads, particularly concerning given the increased holiday travel volume.
While the central and eastern US are predicted to experience above-average temperatures, the Pacific Northwest and Great Plains will face colder temperatures as the winter storm system establishes itself across the northern United States.
