By Anna SkinnerShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA Thanksgiving snowstorm could dump as much as 3 feet across parts of the Great Lakes region, with AccuWeather meteorologists warning that "some highways may close" ahead of a busy travel day as Americans celebrate Thanksgiving.
Why It Matters
The forecast comes as nearly 82 million Americans plan to travel more than 50 miles from home this week for Thanksgiving. It highlights the importance of immediate weather forecasts for travelers, as heavy snow can disrupt plans and set off dangerous travel.
The heavy snow accompanies a slew of alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS), including a blizzard warning in Michigan, which hit earlier than usual this year, NWS meteorologist Greg Sova told Newsweek.
What To Know
Whereas most Americans who have had to travel longer distances are probably already at their destinations, countless people are traveling by road to arrive for holiday celebrations on Thursday, and even going short distances could expose them to dangerous weather conditions in five states.
...On Thursday morning, AccuWeather meteorologists updated a forecast report that warned of heavy lake-effect snow for Northern Wisconsin, Michigan, Northeastern Ohio, Northwestern Pennsylvania and part of New York. As much as 36 inches could pile up in the hardest-hit areas.
"Some highways may close due to the heavy snowfall rate and perhaps chain-reaction accidents," AccuWeather Meteorologist Elizabeth Danco said in the report.
Travelers planning on taking Interstates 75, 79, 80, 81, 86, 90 and 196 were urged to monitor local forecasts before setting out for their destination. In some cases, the NWS warned people to keep a survival kit in their car in case they get stranded.
"Travel could be very difficult to impossible," the NWS office in State College, Pennsylvania, said in a lake-effect snow warning. "The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes."
Heavy snow could hit major metropolitan areas, included Buffalo, New York, where the lake-effect variety was likely to continue into Thursday morning after hammering the region on Wednesday night, and downtown Cleveland, Ohio, which could see heavy snow beginning on Thursday and persisting into the evening hours.
What People Are Saying
NWS Buffalo, in a lake-effect snow warning: "Travel will be very difficult with deep snow cover on roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact Thanksgiving holiday travel. Gusty winds will down tree branches and cause isolated power outages."
NWS, in a Thursday forecast: "Heavy lake effect snow and gusty winds, including some local blizzard conditions, will continue into Thanksgiving Day across the Great Lakes then lingering through Friday night for Lakes Erie and Ontario. Confidence is increasing for another winter storm to develop over the northern and central Rockies Friday and track across the central Plains through the Midwest and Great Lakes this weekend."
What Happens Next
Lake-effect snow will create challenging travel conditions through Friday, and meteorologists warned it could impact Thanksgiving travel. People planning to travel for the holiday should monitor local weather forecasts and heed advice from their local NWS office.
Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines
Add Newsweek as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Recommended For You
U.S.Coca-Cola Sued by Johnny Cash Estate5 min read
PoliticsList of Retailers Targeted in Boycott Starting on Thanksgiving5 min read
PoliticsRepublicans Fear Doomsday Scenario in Tennessee Special Election5 min read
NewsWinter Storm Map Shows Areas Possibly Getting Hit for Thanksgiving3 min read
NewsMacy’s Thanksgiving Parade 2025: How To Watch And Who’s Performing3 min read
NewsCampbell’s Soup Fires Executive Over ‘Poor People’ Rant4 min readRelated Podcasts
Top Stories
NewsSarah Beckstrom, Andrew Wolfe Identified as National Guard Shooting Victims4 min read
NewsUncommon Knowledge: Trump Has Biden to Thank for $274 Ozempic4 min readNewsWinter Storm Map Shows Areas Possibly Getting Hit for Thanksgiving3 min read
NewsNational Guard Shooting Suspect Worked With CIA, Director Says3 min read
WorldUkraine War Live Updates—Russia Praises Trump ‘Realism’, Putin Promises Allies New Weapons2 min read
PoliticsJD Vance’s Chances of Being 2028 GOP Nominee Plunging: Polls5 min readTrending
New York8 Million Inflation Refund Checks Sent Out Ahead of Thanksgiving4 min read
WeatherWinter Storm Warning As 20 Inches of Snow To Hit: ‘Life-Threatening’4 min read
Live BlogThanksgiving Winter Storm Live Tracker, 2,000 Flights Delayed, Up To 3 ft Of Snow Expected1 min read
Live BlogDC Shooting: Two Shot National Guard Members and Suspect Pictured—Live Updates2 min read
DogsAfter 2 Days at Daycare, German Shepherd’s Return Goes Viral: ‘Never Again’3 min readOpinion
OpinionConventional Wisdom: The Anti-Thanksgiving Edition3 min read
OpinionHow to Remain Grounded and Thankful Amid the Chaos5 min read
OpinionThis Thanksgiving, Affordability Isn’t Just About the Turkey. It’s Everyday, Every Bill, Every Choice | Opinion4 min read
OpinionINTERPOL Must Not Elect One of Its Chief Abusers As Its Next President | Opinion4 min read
OpinionWhy We Care About Turkey Costs | Opinion5 min read
