Rain is possible over a broad area along the East Coast on Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 27, and strong winds are also expected.

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

Storms are shaping up to cause trouble for Thanksgiving travel in the Northeast, with rain and fog expected to slow down highways and airports during the busiest days of the year. 

AccuWeather long-range experts are warning of a series of storms likely to disrupt plans from Monday, Nov. 24 through Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 26.

“Storms could cause major travel headaches in the days leading up to Thanksgiving," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok said. "People heading out on the highways should be prepared for snowy conditions in parts of the Midwest and Northwest.

“Drivers could encounter rain and fog as storms push from the central US to the Northeast before Thanksgiving Day.”

In the Northeast, unsettled conditions are expected to arrive Tuesday night, Nov. 25. Rain and fog could make for slow going on highways and potential flight delays at major airports, including New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, DC.

In the Northeast, unsettled conditions are expected to arrive Tuesday night, Nov. 25. 

In the Northeast, unsettled conditions are expected to arrive Tuesday night, Nov. 25. 

AccuWeather

“There is the potential for travel delays related to rain, slick conditions and poor visibility from the Ohio Valley to the Northeast states from Wednesday to Wednesday night, but that will depend on the track, strength and forward speed of the large storm system,” said Pastelok.

The storm will be losing some of its intensity and moisture as it travels from the Central states to the Northeast, Pastelok noted, adding, "but given the travel volume, even a few hours of rain can create significant problems on the roads and runways from Washington, DC, to Philadelphia, New York City and Boston.”

For those heading to Thanksgiving Day parades in New York City or Philadelphia, the good news is that gusty winds are not expected to ground the balloons. 

“At this time, we believe strong winds behind the front will hold off in New York City until the afternoon or evening and should be relatively light for the large balloons during Thanksgiving morning,” Pastelok said. “However, if the front is faster, winds may kick up sooner.”

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, is expected to start dry with light winds in the Northeast, but some snow flurries may develop along the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts Thursday night. Travelers are urged to check forecasts and plan for delays as the holiday approaches.

Check back to Daily Voice for updates.