Thanksgiving weather: Potent winter storm may bring 7 inches of snow; US travellers brace for delays

MILLIONS of Americans could be left in the lurch and their travel plans by road and air are most likely to get affected on Thanksgiving as a potent storm may dump up to 7 inches of snow, with gusty winds as high as 45 mph.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), rain will turn to heavy snow from west to east this afternoon and tonight, adding, travel could be very difficult as areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

The weather department said that a potent storm system will move across the area and periods of heavy snow are expected with rates of around an inch per hour at times.

“The heaviest totals will be found across central Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, where around 6 inches are expected. Farther south across southern Minnesota and parts of west central Wisconsin, 1 to 3 inches are expected,” NWS said.

The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for central and most of southern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. A total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches is expected in the south of Willmar, and 4 to 7 inches in the north.

NWS stated that the polar air will engulf much of the central and eastern US by Thanksgiving morning behind the cold front as the huge circulation of the low pressure system begins to exit into southeastern Canada.

Much of the central and eastern US will be milder than normal before the arrival of the polar air mass. The western US will generally be milder than normal following a brief cool down across the Northwest.

In Georgia, a severe thunderstorm warning continues for Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Rome, Carrollton, Marietta, Douglasville, Kennesaw and Roswell.

What will be the impact?

– The weather department said that visibility may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow.

— The hazardous conditions will impact the commute on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

— Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

Regions to see impact:

From 3 PM to 9 AM CST Wednesday: Benton, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Morrison, Renville, Stearns, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Redwood, Chippewa, and Yellow Medicine Counties.

From noon to 6 AM CST Wednesday: Todd, Douglas, Lac Qui Parle, Pope, Stevens, and Swift Counties.

From 6 PM to 9 AM CST Wednesday: Portions of central, east central, and south central Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.

From 9 PM to 9 AM CST Wednesday: In Minnesota, Dakota, Ramsey, Washington, Rice, Steele, and Waseca Counties. In Wisconsin, Barron, Rusk, and St. Croix Counties.

— Heavy lake effect snow is expected with accumulations between 12 and 20 inches and 20 and 30 inches for northern Iron County and for northern Bayfield County, respectively.

Thanksgiving travel: What precautions to take?

— Delay all travel if possible. Drive with extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.

— Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination.

— Avoid sudden braking or acceleration

— Be cautious on hills or when making turns.

— Make sure your car is winterised and in good working order.

— Keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.