Thanksgiving 2025: Millions of Americans could be stranded and their travel plans by road and air will most likely be affected on Thanksgiving Day as the powerful storm could dump up to 7 inches of snow and wind gusts of up to 45 miles per hour.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), rain will change to heavy snow from west to east this afternoon and tonight, adding that travel could be very difficult as areas of blown snow could significantly reduce visibility.
The weather service said a strong storm system will move across the area and periods of heavy snowfall are expected at rates of around an inch per hour.
“The heaviest totals will be found in central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, where around 6 inches is expected. Further south across southern Minnesota and parts of west-central Wisconsin, 1 to 3 inches is expected,” the NWS said.
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A winter storm warning remains in effect for central and most of southern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected south of Willmar and 4 to 7 inches to the north.
The NWS said polar air will engulf much of the central and eastern U.S. by Thanksgiving morning behind a cold front as a huge circulation of a low pressure system begins to move up into southeastern Canada.
Much of the central and eastern US will be milder than usual before the polar air mass arrives. The western US will be generally milder than usual after a brief cooldown in the Northwest.
In Georgia, severe thunderstorm warnings continue for Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Rome, Carrollton, Marietta, Douglasville, Kennesaw, Roswell.
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What will be the impact?
– The weather service said visibility could drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow.
— Hazardous conditions will affect the commute Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
— Gusty winds could blow down tree branches.
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Regions where impact can be seen:
Wednesday 3:00 PM to 9:00 AM CST: Benton, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Morrison, Renville, Stearns, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Redwood, Chippewa and Yellow Medicine counties.
Noon to 6:00 a.m. CST Wednesday: Todd, Douglas, Lac Qui Parle, Pope, Stevens and Swift Counties.
Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 AM CST: Parts of central, east central, and south central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.
Wednesday from 9:00 PM to 9:00 AM CST: In Minnesota, Dakota, Ramsey, Washington, Rice, Steele and Waseca counties. In Wisconsin, Barron, Rusk and St. Croix.
— Heavy lake effect is expected with accumulations between 12 and 20 inches and 20 and 30 inches for northern Iron County and northern Bayfield County, respectively.
Snow will affect Minnesota and Wisconsin.Read also | Thanksgiving 2025: Restaurants that will stay open on the federal holiday
Thanksgiving travel: What precautions should be taken?
— If possible, postpone all trips. Drive with extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.
— Leave enough space between you and the motorist in front of you and allow more time to reach your destination.
— Avoid sudden braking or acceleration
— Be careful on hills or when turning.
— Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.
— Keep an extra flashlight, food and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency.
