Severe storms and snow threaten Thanksgiving travel

Severe storms and possible snow could cause travel issues this Thanksgiving.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said Tuesday afternoon that disruptions would be “likely” through Wednesday across the East Coast, with “much better travel conditions across much of the rest of the country.”

While the Mid-Atlantic and South could receive some much-needed rain after dry spells, forecasters are calling for “widespread heavy rain” across the region.

“Two major storm systems are expected to impact the nation with rain, thunderstorms and wintry conditions,” the NWS Prediction Center said. posted onthe platform formerly known as Twitter.

Forecasters also suggested that a “White Thanksgiving is possible” in upstate New York and New England. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine could receive up to 6 inches of snow.

Thursday will be an easier day for travel in much of the United States, the NWS said, with the exception of travelers in the northern Rockies and northern High Plains, where snow will accumulate starting in the morning of Thanksgiving.

As traffic intensified at airports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned Tuesday morning that thunderstorms could cause delays in Charlotte and Atlanta, two major hubs. Cloudy and windy conditions may impact flights at other East Coast airports.

Flights from Charlotte were halted for a time Tuesday afternoon as a low ceiling forced departures to stop. The FAA estimated it would be lifted around 4:15 p.m. EST.

“Be sure to check the status of your flight with your airline,” the FAA posted Tuesday morning, with a link to a tracker.

The weather news comes amid possible record numbers of people traveling for Thanksgiving.

AAA projects that 55.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles between the Wednesday and Sunday following Thanksgiving.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) estimated it would screen 2.6 million passengers on Tuesday and 2.7 million passengers on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.

On Sunday, the crowds could be even larger, with the TSA expecting to screen 2.9 million passengers, possibly breaking a record set in June.

New York City also issued a travel advisory from Tuesday to Wednesday. In a news release Monday, the city said it was doing so “in anticipation of wet and windy weather conditions.”

“This week, as we focus on family, friends and all the things we are grateful for, New Yorkers should also remember to keep an eye on the weather,” said New York City Mayor York, Eric Adams (D). The version. “We are bracing for heavy rain and strong winds over the next few days, which means everyone should bundle up and wear extra layers when going outside.”

Updated at 3:56 p.m.