New Year’s Weekend travel forecast

Are you planning on traveling for the holiday weekend?

Well, if you’re traveling across the eastern U.S., you’ll want to keep an eye on the weather.

A big system will bring in the chance of rain and snow through the weekend. 

An active forecast for Saturday

Heavy snow will impact the central U.S., where many winter weather alerts are in effect for Saturday. We could see up to 8 inches of snow. 

Winds will also be high, gusting up to 35 mph at times. This could lead to low visibility and drifting snow. If you have to travel here, plan some extra time and take it slower because of the poor conditions. 

Heavy rain will impact most of the eastern half of the U.S. on Saturday, with areas from eastern Oklahoma to West Virginia under Flood Watches. Several inches of heavy, consistent rain will be possible throughout the day.

The Southeast will also be under a big threat for severe weather. Damaging winds and tornadoes will be the main threat. The timing will be mainly through the evening and overnight into Sunday. 

Make sure to have a way to receive weather notifications in case a watch or warning is issued while you’re sleeping. You should also have a safety plan in place.

Sunday looks a little calmer

The system will slowly exit through Sunday, but rain and snow will still be possible in the eastern U.S. 

This time, areas from New York to Maine will see the heavy snow while the central U.S. clears. 

Another system will also push into the Northwest, making travel a little tricky for areas in Washington and Oregon. 

Through all of the active weather, the Southwest will stay pretty quiet. 

Temperature tumble

On top of the severe weather, heavy rain and snow, get the coats ready! 

Behind this system, we’ll see a drastic temperature drop for most of the country. Highs will range from the teens to the 30s for a good majority of the U.S. on Sunday.

And temperatures will be very chilly as we wake up on Monday!

Safety precautions

Make sure you’re well-prepared for any type of weather if you have to travel, especially by car. 

Have a safety kit that includes flashlights, batteries, water and extra blankets. 

Make sure you’re also prepared for active weather, even if you’re not going anywhere. This includes having the items above in your house, along with a safety plan for your family and friends.