While much of the U.S. is expected to experience mild weather, travelers in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and South-Central regions may face significant disruptions on Thursday due to hazardous conditions.
In the Midwest, particularly in Chicago and surrounding areas, freezing rain, fog, and potentially icy roads may delay flights and make driving hazardous. AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham noted that “areas of rain and drizzle combined with widespread fog” will slow down travel, with icy conditions expected to impact airports and highways, especially during the morning hours. Fog is also predicted to reduce visibility, further complicating travel. While these conditions are likely to affect areas south of Interstate 90 on Christmas night, they could extend northward into the upper Great Lakes by Thursday morning.
The Pacific Northwest is bracing for heavy rain and snow, with the National Weather Service warning of possible disruptions in the region’s mountainous areas. Several inches of rain are expected in up-slope regions of the Pacific Northwest and northern California, raising concerns of localized flooding. A series of storms will bring moderate to heavy rain along the coast and a mix of rain and snow at lower elevations. Mountain ranges, particularly in the Cascades and the Great Basin, could see snowfall accumulations of up to a foot, with some areas receiving over two feet of snow. Strong winds may exacerbate the situation, creating whiteout conditions in higher elevations and making road travel dangerous.
Meanwhile, the South-Central U.S., including Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, will face increasing rainfall and the potential for severe thunderstorms through the overnight hours into Thursday. The system could bring flash flooding, damaging winds, large hail, and possibly tornadoes. As the storm system moves northeast into the Mississippi Valley and Tennessee Valley by Friday, conditions are expected to improve but could still pose risks to travelers.
Despite these localized weather events, most of the country will experience relatively mild weather, with temperatures up to 15 degrees above normal in many areas. Travelers should monitor local forecasts for updates on potential disruptions.
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