Thanksgiving Weather: A deep cyclone moving across the Great Lakes is forecast to bring blizzards through Thanksgiving, followed by another strong storm for the Plains, Great Lakes and Northeast this weekend.
Weather conditions on the northern plains are likely to make travel difficult.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), much of the eastern US will experience well above average temperatures, giving way to windy and much cooler conditions heading into Thanksgiving.
“The cyclone is expected to continue its easterly track across the Great Lakes as it intensifies through the remainder of today into tonight. The snow belt along the southern shore of Lake Superior including Arrowhead can expect to receive well over a foot of snow along with blizzard conditions at the height of this storm later today,” the NWS said.
The weather service said rain will gradually change to all snow for the rest of the Great Lakes by Thanksgiving morning, along with windy conditions.
“Additional lake-effect snowpacks can be expected to impact the Downwind Great Lakes Snowpack on the backside of the departing but expanding cyclone by Friday, particularly in the lower Great Lakes. Meanwhile, snow in the upper Great Lakes will show signs of tapering by Friday morning.”
While much of the eastern US will wake up to another day of milder than normal temperatures along with scattered showers and a higher chance of thunderstorms in the Southeast.
The western US will remain milder than usual through the Thanksgiving holiday.
Polar air will sweep south and settle across the central and eastern US with temperatures dropping to freezing as far south as the Florida Panhandle by Friday morning.
Cleaveland NWS said moderate to heavy impacts are expected with this upcoming heavy lake effect snow event. “Heavy snowfall and high winds can combine to create dangerous travel conditions during the holidays. Avoid travel if possible, but take extra care if you do venture out!”
According to the Detroit NWS, a gale warning is in effect for all waters of Lake Huron, Lake St., from today through Friday morning. Clair and Michigan’s Lake Erie.
“Sustained gales and 45 knot gusts will be possible. A low water advisory is also in effect for Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie.”
A wind advisory for wind gusts up to 45 mph is in effect for Detroit today and tonight.
In Minnesota, roads are also partially to completely covered in snow in various parts of the state.
With the heaviest snow and gusty winds, there is also a chance of fading for a short time tonight.
Due to weather conditions, travel can be very difficult at times as extensive blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.
