WeatherInfo

Thanksgiving travel weather: check your route before you go

Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26 this year. Check the weather where you're going, not just where you are, and check again the night before you leave.

Reviewed October 2026

Items with a Shop link go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

Enter the ZIP code of where you're going, and any big cities along the way. The National Weather Service updates forecasts through the day, so look again before you set off.

Forecast and alerts

Enter a U.S. ZIP code to see the National Weather Service forecast and any active alerts.

Forecasts and alerts: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), fetched live when you search. Weather Info is not affiliated with the NWS. For decisions about safety, use weather.gov and follow instructions from local officials.

When to change plans

The alert level tells you how seriously to take it. See watch, warning or advisory? for what each means.

Alert on your route What it means for travel
Winter weather advisory Snow, sleet or freezing rain that's a significant inconvenience and could turn dangerous without care. Allow extra time and drive slowly.
Winter storm watch The risk of a significant storm has gone up, but the timing and place are still uncertain. Make a backup plan, such as leaving a day earlier.
Winter storm warning Heavy snow or ice that threatens life or property. Travel will become difficult to impossible, so delay your trip if you can.
Ice storm warning A significant, possibly damaging coating of ice. Don't drive unless you must.
Blizzard warning Strong winds and blowing snow, with visibility often below a quarter mile for hours. Don't drive unless you must.

Driving

  • Check road conditions before you leave by calling 511, the national phone number for traveler information, or visiting your state's 511 or transportation department website.
  • Pack a winter car kit: blankets, water and snacks, a phone charger, a flashlight, a windshield scraper and a shovel. Our sister site SHTF Prep has a full winter car kit list.
  • Leave with a full tank and tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive.

Flying

  • Check airport delays at the FAA's National Airspace System status page. Weather at a hub airport can delay flights across the country.
  • Your airline has the latest on your flight. Turn on its app or text alerts.
  • Expect crowds. The Sunday after Thanksgiving has been among the busiest days in TSA history, so leave extra time for security.

Sources