Big storm could make mess of Thanksgiving travel. Here's what to expect in Michigan

2021 Thanksgiving travel outlook
Photo credit AccuWeather

DETROIT (WWJ) -- Snow, rain, winds and the potential for flight delays — it's all on the way to the eastern U.S. just as 53.4 million people are expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year.

So, how will this big storm impact Michigan?

"It's been a tricky storm to watch," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brian Thompson, speaking live on WWJ on Wednesday. "Our computer models have been hinting at it for awhile now...Looks like they're starting to hone in on a solution that would allow a storm to develop to our north, probably near the U.P. and across Ontario as we get into Sunday, and that will likely bring rain to the (metro Detroit) area, with a cold front on Sunday."

Likely, Thompson said, the Detroit area will see the most rain on Sunday.

"And then we'll have to watch," he said. "Perhaps the biggest impact from this storm is, as it strengthens off to our east, would be some strong, gusty winds on Monday; perhaps enough to cause some delays at the airport."

He added: "And, as this continues to move eastward, there's potential for more storminess into Monday and Tuesday across the northeast... Some of the major airports, major hubs through the northeast could see some issues as well."

As far as snow is concerned, Thompson said metro Detroit may see some flurries or a lake effect snow shower when temperatures drop early next week, but no significate accumulation is expected in Southeast Michigan.

Those headed Up North, however should take note: AccuWeather says an area of heavy snow could spread across Northern Michigan, portions of Minnesota and northern Wisconsin.

The worst of this, however, will likely remain to the east of us. AccuWeather says some areas on the east coast — including parts of New York state, Vermont and new Hampshire — could a foot or more of accumulation.

Thompson said the storm is most likely to impact travel early next week, while Thanksgiving Day is looking OK... with a few flurries or a snow shower possible in the Detroit area.

Meanwhile, there's snow falling now in Northern Michigan.

Lake effect snow showers will began Thursday morning and will last into Friday across Northern Michigan, forecasters say.

The National Weather Service said the highest accumulations will be across the typical lake effect areas with 1-3” expected by this evening with an additional 2-4” possible tonight. NWS urges: "Be sure to travel with caution!"

Forecasts can and will, as you know, change quickly...and we'll always have the latest information. Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 for weather and traffic updates, every 10 minutes on the 8s. CLICK HERE to listen live!

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty