weather forecast travel 2019 | CNN

Storms could affect post-Thanksgiving travel

weather update 12/1
50 million under winter weather alerts
1:40 • Source: CNN
weather update 12/1
1:40

What we're covering here

  • Post-Thanksgiving travel: Over 50 million people are under winter weather alerts from California to Maine.
  • Numerous storms: A mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow will snarl holiday travel across the Midwest and Northeast today.
  • Track it: You can track weather forecasts and travel here.
14 Posts

Our live coverage of the storm systems passing through the US has ended for the day. For the latest news, read below or check out this story.

Snow falls during the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers game

Snowflakes the size of cotton balls turned the game between the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers in East Rutherford, New Jersey, today into a winter wonderland.

Check out some videos of the snowfall below:

New York governor activates emergency operations center, National Guard on standby

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has placed the National Guard on standby as a winter storm moves through the state. 

New York’s Emergency Operations Center has also been activated to “enhanced monitoring mode.”

The heaviest snow accumulations are expected in the western Catskills, with totals expected to hit two feet. Areas around Albany could see 12 to 18 inches, while Central New York and the Mohawk Valley are expected to receive up to 15 inches of snow.

New York City and Long Island are expected to receive approximately 1 to 4 inches.

Prepare your home for a winter storm with these helpful tips

A handful of fire department’s up and down the East coast have shared some advice on how to prepare for the winter weather expected today and tomorrow.

New York’s Guilderland Fire Department encouraged residents to clear snow away from fire hydrants while Tennessee’s Lebanon Fire Department reminded people to give their space heaters enough space before turning them on.

“With snowfall predicted to be quite significant, remember to keep your high efficiency furnace’s intake and exhaust clear of drifting snow!” New York’s Woodbury Fire Department said on Facebook.

Snowy waterfall spotted in Oregon

Ice and snow were seen at Multnomah Falls today outside of Portland, Oregon.

A video of the waterfall was captured by Clifford Paguio, who called it a “winter wonderland.”

Travel warning issued for Duluth, Minnesota

Twenty inches of snow have accumulated in Duluth, Minnesota, today, according to resident Derrick Chamberlain.

“Just staying inside and cuddled up with the dogs! We are going to shovel soon as the snow blower we have can’t handle all this snow,” Chamberlain told CNN. 

He said the snow started around noon on Saturday.

The Duluth Police Department released the following travel warning today on Facebook:

Chamberlain took the following photo this morning:

More than 1,300 flights into or out of the US have been delayed

In what is shaping up to be a historically busy travel day in the US, airlines will see an anticipated 3.1 million passengers today, according to Airlines for America, an airline trade organization.

A record 31.6 million passengers were forecast to travel on US airlines during the Thanksgiving holiday period, up 3.7% from last year.

By mid-morning, 1,300 flights into or out of the United States had been delayed and almost 700 had been canceled, according to FlightAware.com. Travel impacts are expected to last through Monday, the weather service said.

Delta Airlines announced weather waivers for 16 cities in the Upper Midwest on Saturday, and 22 cities in the Northeast for Sunday and Monday, including airports in Boston and the New York area.

American Airlines issued waivers for passengers traveling Sunday and Monday on flights to and from New York’s John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports as well as Newark and the airline’s hub in Philadelphia. Other cities in the American Airlines announcement include Boston, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Toronto, Canada.

Up to 2 feet of snow could hit Catskills from Sunday into Monday

The upcoming winter storm could bring up to two feet of snow to the Catskills, with accumulations of 12-14 inches near Albany and Central New York today into Monday.

New York City is expected to receive approximately 1 to 4 inches, according to a press release from NY Governor Andrew Cuomo. 

New York’s Department of Transportation has engaged regional crews in snow and ice preparations and rain event monitoring.

Among the department’s resources for responding to the winter storm are 1,592 large plow trucks, 183 medium duty plows, 52 tow plows, 327 large loaders and 39 snowblowers.

Roughly 4,500 workers are available to perform “in damage assessment, response and restoration across New York State,” the press release stated.

Winter storm may bring over 12 inches of snow to parts of western and central Massachusetts

A winter storm could bring more than 12 inches of snow to parts of western and central Massachusetts, according to a weather advisory from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

Roads in Minnesota are covered in snow

Road conditions across the region are completely snow covered, with some areas of travel not advised in the Duluth area, the US National Weather Service in Duluth, Minnesota (NWS) reported on Facebook this morning.

Most roads are impassable and travel is extremely treacherous this morning. If you can stay home today, NWS is advising people to do so.

Numerous vehicles have become stuck in snow drifts and in roads and ditches this morning, NWS added.

More than 350 flights in the US have been delayed

As of 9 a.m. ET, 353 flights within, into or out of the United States have been delayed, according to FlightAware, an aviation company that tracks flight changes.

Additionally, 29 flights in the United States have been cancelled entirely today.

Here’s FlightAware’s map of the latest flight data:

How to make your post-Thanksgiving drive as stress-free as possible

Before you hit the road today, here are some tips on how to make your drive home more enjoyable and safe:

  1. Check the weather and for road closures. With wide swaths of the country will be under threat from snow to strong winds, even thunderstorms. Check what you’re about to drive through and for possible road closures on your route. That will help prepare you for when to drive, where to drive and what you’re about to drive into.
  2. Check your equipment. Make sure your windshield wipers work, that your oil doesn’t need to be changed and your tires aren’t losing their grip. If you’re in a snowy area, bring a windshield scraper and shovel to dig yourself out of trouble.
  3. Fill your gas tank. We know it’s only an hour to Grandma’s house but there’s no reason to depart with your tank half full.
  4. Bring extra supplies. Bring extra water and snacks in case you’re stuck in traffic or your car battery conks out and you need to wait for help.
  5. Bring chargers, flares and a flashlight. If you do need assistance, a fully charged cell phone, backup cell phone battery, flares and a flashlight can help light the way.
  6. Stay warm. If your car won’t run, neither will the heat. Pack warm coats and blankets to keep warm if you’re stuck on the side of the road.

West coast braces for winter storms

A strong storm system is impacting the West coast from Seattle south to Los Angeles, bringing feet of snow to the mountains, heavy rain to the coasts and valleys, and gusty winds.

Major travel delays are expected across the mountainous regions where chains will be required and road closures are possible due to near white out conditions at times.

The National Weather Service office in Sacramento states that “Travel is HIGHLY DISCOURAGED after 10 a.m. for the Coastal Range/Shasta County.”

Up to 2 feet of snow is possible in the upper foothills, 2-4 feet of snow is forecast above 6000 feet and up to 5 feet of snow is possible on the higher peaks through Monday night.

Moderate to heavy rain is forecast across the coasts and valleys through Monday with widespread rainfall totals of 2-4 inches possible. Roadway flooding is possible across the region through Monday.

Strong winds will also be a concern through early Monday morning where sustained winds are forecast between 25-35 mph and gusts are forecast between 35-55 mph. This could lead to downed trees and power lines as well as cause a driving hazard for high profile vehicles.

New York City crews are prepared for "difficult storm," officials say

At least 705 storm spreaders are “loaded’” and ready to go ahead of snowy weather expected in New York today and tomorrow, NYC Sanitation Department Commissioner Kathryn Garcia said Saturday at a press conference.

The city is expecting anywhere between 1-4 inches, Garcia said. However, she cautioned conditions could easily change.

Snow is expected to begin Sunday and then turn into a snowy/rain mix on Monday, officials say.

Another 1,500 plows will be on standby for Monday if conditions warrant snow plows, Garcia said.

Once the snow reaches two inches or more on the street officials will start plowing, she said.

American Airlines has also issued a Winter Weather Alert for more than 40 airports including the New York and Philadelphia hubs, a release from the airline says.  

Download the CNN app

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app on Google Play.

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from Google Play.

Download the CNN app

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.