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Thanksgiving is an American national holiday that is celebrated in the United States. This is an event to give thanks for the blessings received during the year. It has been celebrated as a secular holiday and it has historical roots in religious and cultural traditions.

Every year, it is expected that people travel from one place to the other to celebrate Thanksgiving. Americans usually celebrate Thanksgiving with their families and friends. But this year's celebration is quite challenging most especially for those who will travel.

It is estimated that around 55 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more away from their homes. This is the second busiest day in the U.S. since 2000 according to the track made by AAA.

In a recently published article, travelers might be affected by two major storms. According to the National Weather Service, one will hit the Rockies and Northern plains while the other storm heads towards the West Coast. 

Before traveling, it is suggested that you first check weather updates. Here is what you need to know about the incoming storms this holiday week.

HEAVY SNOW IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS AND UPPER MIDWEST

According to the National Weather Service, there will be a powerful storm that is expected to bring heavy snow from Wyoming to Colorado and will spread into the Central Plains and western Great Lakes. And according to Orrison that traveling to some parts of the plain region may be difficult and challenging because of its blizzard-like condition.

The National Weather System posted on Monday in their twitter account that "Travel before the Thanksgiving holiday will be impacted. Driving may become difficult to impossible in some areas of the height of the storm. Consider alternate routes and be alert for highway and road closures and heavy snow will impact air travel at some airports, including Denver International Airport (DIA) and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)." If you plan to travel in these places, you have to check first weather updates from the NWS or just simply follow them in their social media accounts for updates of weather conditions.

The National Weather System (NWS) advised that the following places will be affected by the heavy storm:

  • Colorado
  • Upper Peninsula of Michigan

The NWS added that a large part of the northern third of the state of Colorado, including Denver, is expected to see heavy snow. There is also a big possibility that traveling in Denver is impossible, especially on Tuesday morning. The weather is expected to improve later on Tuesday.

WINTER STORMS IN CALIFORNIA

Orrison said that the following places will be affected winter storms with heavy snowfall and locally strong winds starting Tuesday until the weekend. 

  • California
  • Nevada
  • Parts of Arizona

It is said that this second storm is stronger compared to the first storm mentioned earlier. The NWS warned on Tuesday through their social media account that "The mountains of southern Oregon and northern California are likely to get hammered with blizzard conditions, and battering surf and high winds for coastal areas," 

The following places will receive several feet of snow that will last to 4 days according to Orrison:

  • Part of Sierra Nevada
  • Northern Arizona

Meanwhile, the following places are expected to have some snowfall and cold temperatures

  • Coastal areas north of San Francisco to northern California
  • Elevations near Los Angeles

Orrison also said that Southern California should also watch for heavy rainfall in the coming days. Travelers are advised by the National Weather System to check for hourly updates. You can follow them in their twitter account to get updates.