Storm Likely to Affect Eastern U.S. in Time for Thanksgiving

Will outdoor activities on Thanksgiving be a bust across the eastern U.S.? Mother Nature has plans to potentially disrupt those flag football games, travel plans, and parades over the Thanksgiving holiday for a large part of the East Coast. Here is a more detailed look at this brewing storm.

Slow-Moving Storm System Brewing for Thanksgiving

Forecasters are warning Americans that a developing weather maker could deliver measurable snow and rain to the eastern half of the U.S. on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday. One large weather maker will play a hand in the disruptive weather in the days ahead.

The area of concern is a slow-moving system that could deliver impacts from the Tennessee and Ohio valleys and up into the Northeast. Another potential scenario pushes this storm in a more southerly direction and into the Southeast. This scenario would result in a less intense storm, however, there would still be meaningful rain and snow coming along with it as it moves to the east.

Thanksgiving Day parades across the East Coast could be a messy affair. In addition to heavy rain, the system will also whip up the winds just in time for the holiday. The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is a holiday tradition for millions of American families. Unfortunately, high winds have been known to ground the iconic floats in the past.

Winds are expected to clock in with gusts up to 20 mph later in the week in an area from the Tennessee Valley to the Atlantic coastline. Philadelphia also hosts a major parade on Thanksgiving Day that may be impacted by these strong winds. Parade goers will want to check the hourly forecast in their area and dress accordingly and also be prepared for some floats to be grounded due to the conditions.

There is also the chance of snow for the inter Northeast by late Wednesday or Thursday if the center of the storm's energy moves far enough to the north to tap into the cold air. Meteorologists say that there is still a chance that a dip in the jet stream could send the cold air farther south, resulting in a white Thanksgiving for some residents of the Northeast. For example, the Great Lakes region may be an area that sees snow on or around Thanksgiving.

Forecast for Black Friday and the Rest of the Holiday Weekend

With so much uncertainty about the path of this storm system, it is difficult to predict what the weather will hold for Black Friday and the balance of the holiday weekend. Should this system pick up speed, it could move off of the coast in time for drier and more milder weather to move into the region in time for Black Friday shopping. This would also mean a more pleasant travel time back home after the holidays.

Conversely, a system that slows down would translate to lingering impacts across the Northeast and beyond. Even if the weather is mostly clear, the sheer number of travelers taking to the roads and skies will mean that travel may be a slow affair.

Be sure to check back early in the week for a more detailed and precise look at how this impending storm system is developing and where it is expected to track by the holiday.

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