Parts of the Southeastern U.S., including Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, are preparing for potential strong to severe storms on Thanksgiving Day. The National Weather Service (NWS) Southern Region issued warnings for isolated to scattered strong storms and advised residents to stay informed using multiple warning methods, including NOAA weather radios. The approaching storms are expected to bring cooler temperatures in their wake, with some areas in Florida possibly experiencing near-freezing temperatures.
The polar cold front is forecasted to cause significant temperature drops in the Sunshine State, potentially leading to a “hard freeze”. The NWS Climate Prediction Center urged protection for vulnerable plants and recommended travelers bring appropriate clothing for the cold. On the other side of the country, winter weather is affecting several states in the West, with Colorado expecting substantial snowfall and road closures. New York state is also preparing for lake effect snow this weekend, with Buffalo and surrounding areas expecting accumulating snow and mixed precipitation on Thanksgiving. NWS Buffalo highlighted the delayed start to the snow season compared to the average timeline.