As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, the weather pattern is lining up for what could be a significant storm Thursday into Friday. Whether you’re hitting the road or catching a flight, it’s crucial to keep an eye on this evolving system. Here’s what we know so far and how it could impact travel across New England.
The Storm: A Complex Setup
A low-pressure system is expected to develop midweek and track toward the Northeast by Thursday. The storm’s exact track and intensity remain uncertain, but it has the potential to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and even some snow to parts of the region. Timing and precipitation type will be key in determining travel impacts.
Let’s break down the possible scenarios:
Scenario 1: Coastal Track (Most Likely)
Timing: Rain begins Thursday morning and intensifies through the afternoon, continuing into Friday morning.
Impacts:
Rain: Heavy rain could lead to localized flooding, especially in urban areas and along the coast.
Winds: Gusty winds of 30-50 mph could impact flights and cause delays, particularly at Logan Airport in Boston.
Snow: Moderate, confined to higher elevations in northern NH and VT late Thursday night.
Road Travel: Wet roads and reduced visibility due to heavy rain, especially during peak travel times Thursday evening.
Scenario 2: More Westerly Track (Warmer Option)
Timing: Precipitation starts later, Thursday afternoon into Friday.
Impacts:
Rain/Snow Mix: Interior areas (western MA, southern VT/NH) could see snow transitioning to rain, leading to slick roads.
Winds: Still breezy, but wind gusts more moderate (20-35 mph).
Road Travel: Snow-covered roads possible in the higher elevations; mixed precipitation could slow travel in northern and western areas.
Scenario 3: Offshore Track (Least Likely)
Timing: Precipitation, if any were to occur, arrives late Thursday or early Friday and remains lighter.
Impacts:
Rain: Coastal areas see lighter rain, with the possibility of seeing no precipitation at all.
Snow: Greater chance for snow flurries inland, particularly in central/western MA, NH, and VT.
Winds: Winds stay calmer, minimizing airport disruptions.
Road Travel: Little to no impact for coastal highways like I-95.
Best Timing for Travel
Wednesday: Likely the best day for travel, with dry weather and calmer conditions.
Thanksgiving Day (Thursday): Increasingly wet/windy later in the day, particularly in the afternoon and evening.
Friday: Lingering precipitation and gusty winds may still cause slowdowns, particularly in the morning.
What to Watch For
Storm Track: A shift west means more snow inland; a shift east means lighter impacts overall.
Wind Speeds: Could lead to flight cancellations/delays, especially on Thursday.
Road Conditions: Monitor for slick spots in interior regions if snow mixes in.
Keep checking for updates as the forecast comes into sharper focus midweek. Safe travels, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁
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