AccuWeather expert meteorologists are also keeping a close eye on the potential for a massive storm system that can bring accumulating snow and blizzard conditions ahead of the holiday weekend to The Great Lakes region.
AccuWeather forecasts there can be a 1500-mile stretch at risk for blizzard conditions. Falling or blowing snow with winds of at least 35 mph, reducing visibility to a quarter mile or less for at least three hours, is possible with this intense winter storm from parts of Central Kansas to northwestern Quebec in Canada.
AccuWeather anticipates the risk that 2/3 of the nation's flights on Thursday and Friday could be impacted by the major storm at the worse possible time, right before the holidays, with increased passenger volume. This storm amplifies this impact because major hubs will be impacted significantly, with blizzard conditions expected at the major airports in Chicago and Detroit, a major hub for Delta. Further east, the storm is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to major airports along the I-95 corridor, including Dulles, Reagan National, Baltimore/Washington, Philadelphia, and all of the New York City airports well as Boston.
Due to these impacts, up to 5,000 flights can be delayed or canceled at major and smaller regional airports. This storm may cause significant slowdowns or, in some areas, nearly halt flight operations, perhaps the worst such situation in many years.
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Travelers can be stuck at airports, and it may take the entire air system days to recover, given the holiday weekend and the substantial task of getting planes and airport crews where they need to be to restore some sense of normalcy to air operations. AccuWeather recommends connecting airports and the final destination. If you have the flexibility to move your trip ahead to fly before the storm arrives – that can be helpful toward getting to your destination with a reduced risk of delay and cancellation.
Businesses in the path of this major storm should prepare for the following:
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