By Peter.
A potent storm system is barreling across the US next week, threatening widespread disruptions for the estimated 81.8 million travelers during the busiest holiday period of the year (Nov. 23–Dec 1), per AAA forecasts. With 89% driving and 7% flying, even moderate weather could snarl roads and runways—especially on record-busy Sunday, Nov. 30, dubbed one of TSA’s “busiest travel days in history” by Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl.
The National Weather Service urges checking forecasts and building buffers into plans, as two overlapping systems could amplify chaos from coast to coast.
Storm Timeline & Impacts
- Friday (Nov. 28): Hits Southern California first with intense rain (up to 1 inch/hour, 1–2 inches total in urban zones like LA), sparking flash floods, rock/mudslides in canyons, and urban runoff. Expect highway closures and airport delays at LAX/SNA.
- Saturday (Nov. 29): Shifts to deserts, drenching southern Arizona (Phoenix/Tucson) with 1–3 inches, risking flash floods in washes and arroyos. Low-elevation snow possible in higher terrain.
- Sunday–Monday (Nov. 30–Dec. 1): Plunges into Southern Plains (TX/OK), merging with a prior system for excessive rain (2–4 inches) and flooding in drought-weary areas like Dallas/Fort Worth. High Plains snow (3–6 inches) could ice I-35/I-40 corridors.
- Monday–Tuesday (Dec. 1–2): Stretches from South Texas to Upper Midwest, dumping 1–3 inches rain with embedded thunderstorms; isolated severe risks (hail/wind). Midwest hubs like Chicago/Minneapolis face flight groundings; Northeast edges get scattered showers.
- Wednesday (Dec. 3, pre-Turkey Day): Peak chaos—rain/snow mix from Ohio Valley to New England (1–3 inches snow in NW PA, Upstate NY, VT/NH; up to 10 inches in ME). Winds gust 30–50 mph could snarl parades (e.g., Macy’s balloons grounded). Central US stays drier under high pressure.
- Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27? Wait—Dec. 4 in 2025): Quieter in most spots, but lingering cold front drops temps below average in North/Midwest (highs 30s–40s°F). Light flurries possible Mid-Atlantic; mild/dry in NYC for parades.
Travel Tips Amid the Mess
- Best Days: Tuesday (Nov. 25) or early Thursday for flights; avoid Wednesday/Sunday peaks.
- Risk Hotspots: Pacific NW (rain/snow delays SEA/PDX), Southern Plains (floods DFW/OKC), Northeast (slick roads NYC/BOS).
- Prep: Pack chains/kit for snow; monitor apps (TSA/FAA); build 2–3 hour buffers. NWS: “Even light rain can cascade into big backups with volumes this high.”
Two systems merging could worsen outcomes—mild overall (Old Farmer’s Almanac: warmer/drier fall), but Tuesday/Wednesday look dicey for 80M+ on the move. Safe travels—gobble responsibly!
#ThanksgivingStorm #USWeather2025 #HolidayTravelDelays
