Severe weather events have significantly disrupted travel across the United States during the Thanksgiving weekend.
East Coast: Lake-Effect Snow
The Great Lakes region, particularly areas downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, experienced record-breaking lake-effect snowstorms. Snowfall totals exceeded 3 feet in northwestern Pennsylvania’s Erie County and western New York south of Buffalo, with some areas receiving over 40 inches. This led to major road closures, including Interstates 90 and 86, and prompted travel bans in several towns. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and deployed the National Guard to assist with rescue operations.
West Coast: Bomb Cyclone
The Pacific Northwest was hit by a powerful “bomb cyclone,” a rapidly intensifying storm system. Washington state faced strong winds exceeding 70 mph, resulting in widespread power outages affecting over 600,000 customers. Falling trees caused fatalities in Bellevue and Lynnwood. The storm also led to school closures and hazardous travel conditions.
Travel Advisories
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipated screening over 3 million passengers on the Sunday following Thanksgiving, potentially breaking previous records. However, the severe weather caused substantial flight delays and cancellations. Travelers are advised to check local forecasts and airline updates, and to plan accordingly to ensure safety.
