Severe Weather Threatens To Complicate Thanksgiving Travel Plans

Severe weather is expected to cause significant disruptions during the peak Thanksgiving travel period, affecting millions of travelers across the United States. On Monday (November 24), around nine million people in Texas, southern Arkansas, and northern Louisiana are at risk of severe storms, which could bring large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Additionally, a flash flood threat looms over central and northern Texas, as well as parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas, with rainfall rates of one to two inches per hour expected through the morning and additional rain throughout the day.

A separate storm system is impacting the northern Rockies, moving towards the Upper Midwest and New England. This system could bring snow to Montana and the Dakotas, with snowfall totals ranging from three to six inches from North Dakota to northern Michigan by Wednesday (November 26). The storm will strengthen, affecting Minnesota and northern Michigan with snow, while heavy rain is possible from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast. Yahoo News reports that travel conditions could improve for Texas by Tuesday (November 25) as the storms shift eastward, impacting Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia.

The National Weather Service has issued a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms in parts of East Texas, northern Louisiana, southern Arkansas, and eastern Mississippi. Meanwhile, a Flood Watch is in effect for parts of North Texas, including the Dallas Metroplex. Nearly 82 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, with many facing potential flight delays and dangerous driving conditions. Travelers are advised to have alternate plans in place as the weather could impact major travel hubs across the country.