Large Storm Threatens Thanksgiving Eve Travel Plans

A large storm pushing up the East Coast that will bring rainy, windy weather to the tri-state area threatens to wreak havoc on travel plans the day before Thanksgiving.

The heaviest rain is expected to fall late Tuesday and continue into Wednesday morning's rush hour. Wind speeds will peak Wednesday afternoon, when gusts of up to 40 mph are possible, especially near the coast.

Meteorologists expect the storm to cause significant travel delays in nearby cities from New York to Philadelphia, Hartford and Boston.

The storm is also expected to bring a shot of heavy snow and sleet to northern New England. Parts of Maine and New Hampshire could receive a foot of snow from this storm, and upstate New York could get up to 6 inches north of Saratoga Springs.

Here's a simple breakdown of what to expect from the storm and what it means for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

What to Expect:

• Drizzle, mist, fog Tuesday morning through evening
• Steady rain after 7 p.m.
• Heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms overnight through Wednesday morning
• Heavy rain tapers off to scattered showers tomorrow afternoon
• Many locations will receive 1 to 2.5 inches of rain
• Strong winds -- north winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph Wednesday afternoon

Effects:

• Localized ponding of water in poor drainage spots early Wednesday
• Significant airport delays -- arrivals and departures -- on busiest travel day of the year
• Delays/accidents on roadways due to congestion

Thanksgiving Day Parade:

• Balloons should be able to fly at this year’s parade. Macy's says sustained winds must be lower than 23 mph with gusts under 34 mph for the balloons to fly safely. Meteorologists predict the winds will fall within the acceptable range.
• Forecasts predict a sunny, breezy forecast with winds capping off at 20 mph and a high temperature of 47 degrees.

Stay ahead of the storm by following our interactive radar here.

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