Expect cold temperatures with rain and gusty winds
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Although New York City won’t see a severe weather system before Thanksgiving, it could be a tough trip filled with stormy conditions, rain and even snow for many traveling in the Northeast.
Gov. Kathy Hochul warned residents last week of a massive storm expected to hit New York State during the holiday travel peak from Wednesday through Thursday. Freezing rain, snow accumulation and high winds can impact travel plans.
AccuWeather meteorologists believe the greatest negative travel impacts associated with the upcoming storm will be Tuesday into Wednesday in the Northeast.
“High east-southeast winds averaging 25-35 mph with gusts of 40-45 mph could be a problem at some airports from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia and New York City, with the worst conditions likely.” As of late Tuesday afternoon, “until Tuesday evening,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Tom Kenes said.
This means that travelers should expect airline delays at this time, likely due to wind, heavy rain and poor visibility. Those same conditions will also make for miserable road travel Tuesday in the Northeast — though the heavy rain may hold off until late Tuesday afternoon in New York City.
Motorists should expect delays due to this storm, and with the high volume of traffic expected, any mishap or puddles on some highways could result in significant delays and potentially miles of parked vehicles, according to AccuWeather.
This means that rain can be expected in New York City on Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures rising to 46 and 54, respectively. Upstate New York should instead expect snowy weather.
Conditions should improve by Wednesday evening. The busiest travel time is expected to be Wednesday between 2-6pm as listed by AAA.
There’s no need to worry about travel on Thursday, as much of the country will be dry, with a little rain expected in New York City and much of the surrounding area.
It will reach 51 degrees on Thanksgiving Day in New York City.
According to AAA, 55.4 million travelers will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday, which is set for Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Nov. 26, marking the third-highest Thanksgiving travel volume in more than 20 years.
If necessary, the governor will send reverse telephone alerts to hard-hit areas to make sure everyone is prepared, as has been done in the past during catastrophic snowstorms.
Just last year during Thanksgiving week, Buffalo was hit by a historic snowstorm, dumping up to 80 inches of snow on neighborhoods south of Buffalo. In 2014, Buffalo was hit by its worst storm, when seven feet of snow accumulated over three days.
For now, New York City can keep shovels and snow equipment away a little longer.
