"Arctic Chill Hits US Travel Plans Amid Thanksgiving Rush"

"An Arctic blast is set to impact travel as millions head home for Thanksgiving, bringing cold winds, heavy snow, and thunderstorms across various regions."

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, parts of the United States brace for a potentially disruptive "Arctic outbreak." According to the National Weather Service (NWS), dangerously cold wind chills are anticipated, particularly in the northern Plains on Thursday. As travelers take to the skies during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, the severe weather threatens to complicate their plans.

Numerous travel delays were reported by FlightAware on Wednesday, with thousands of flights affected—over 4,500 delays and 61 cancellations noted as holidaymakers embark on festive journeys. Forecasts indicate that regions such as New England, including Maine and New York state, could face significant snowfall, while thunderstorms are likely to impact areas along the East Coast, particularly in Georgia and the Carolinas.

Looking ahead to Friday, weather conditions will shift towards the Midwest, with lake-effect snow expected to develop as cold air moves over warmer waters from the Great Lakes. The NWS predicts that some areas may receive up to 8 inches (20 cm) of snow. Reports from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) indicate record-breaking passenger volumes for this Thanksgiving, with an estimated nine million people expected to be screened at airports on just Tuesday and Wednesday.

On the West Coast, dense fog warnings have been issued, with freezing fog expected in Oregon and parts of Washington. State officials are also monitoring the effects of recent atmospheric river events, which have resulted in heavy snow and flooding across California. Communities continue to recover from last week’s bomb cyclone, which caused widespread power outages and damage.

As families gather to celebrate, the echoes of winter weather highlight the challenges of holiday travel in an unpredictable climate.