Thanksgiving Travel Chaos as Storms Threaten Misery for 55 Million in U.S.

Storms could impact travel for millions of Americans as meteorologists have been monitoring weather systems that could cause disruption before, during and after Thanksgiving.

Almost 55 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from their homes for the holiday, according to AAA. Almost 49 million will use the roads, while about 4.5 million will be flying.

Storms could cause delays for motorists and air passengers in addition to the disruptions caused by the amount of travelers. Major cities like Chicago, Atlanta and New York could be impacted.

"A storm is expected to move into the Pacific Northwest with rain and mountain snow on Tuesday," according to AccuWeather. "Seattle and other lower elevations in western Washington will face the brunt of the storm's rain as around a foot of snow potentially buries the Washington Cascades and northern Rockies."

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bill Deger added: "This part of the storm will pack most of the energy needed for the bigger storm to form later in the week. The storm will lack a significant amount of moisture once it crosses the northern Rockies and enters the plains.

"This will result in flurries and light snow that should be more of a nuisance than a major travel disruption across parts of Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas during the middle of the week."

Thanksgiving Day will be calm for most across the country, according to CNN, but portions of the South will experience showers, including areas such as Dallas, Houston, Shreveport and Little Rock.

"Showers will continue into Thanksgiving morning; however, they should end from northwest to southeast as the cold front sweeps through the area, with the last of the rain exiting Central Texas by early to mid-afternoon," the National Weather service in Dallas said.

According to CNN, weather conditions might cause disruptions for the East Coast following the holiday.

A potential nor'easter could form later in the week and weekend and move eastward. The system is expected to strengthen and cause some travel issues for those returning to the East Coast.

AccuWeather meteorologists also warned of poor, wet weather conditions after the holiday for the East Coast.

"While the days leading up to Thanksgiving and the holiday itself are expected to feature largely dry conditions across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, conditions may quickly change as holiday shoppers head out in search of deals next Friday," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.

By this point, a piece of the storm might break off and contribute to a new low pressure system that could bring enhanced precipitation to the Northeast coast.

Those travelling for Thanksgiving are advised to plan ahead and keep on top of updated weather reports to ensure the easiest travel during the holiday period.