### Thanksgiving Preparations and Travel Safety Amid Winter Weather Alerts

As Thanksgiving approaches, last-minute grocery shoppers needn't worry. While major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Sam's Club will close for the holiday, stores such as Kroger, Wegmans, and Whole Foods will remain open for those urgent ingredient runs. For the Black Friday enthusiasts, department stores like Macy's, Kohl’s, and Nordstrom will reopen at 5 a.m. on Friday, ready for the sales rush.

However, holiday plans may face disruptions due to severe winter weather warnings across the United States. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued comprehensive winter storm warnings for states including Wyoming, Alaska, Colorado, and Utah, with advisories also affecting areas in Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Nevada. Forecasts include up to 36 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 55 mph, which are anticipated to make travel hazardous with limited visibility and snow-covered roads.

Despite these weather concerns, millions are poised to enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. An estimated 3 million onlookers are expected along the 2½-mile route from Central Park West to Herald Square, with performances from 11 marching bands, 34 floats, and 22 gigantic balloons. Another 20 million viewers will watch the event broadcasted on TV starting at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones on NBC.

Thanksgiving travel has skyrocketed, posing logistical questions about carrying food through airports. TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein clarified that both raw and cooked meats, including turkeys and hams, can pass through security. The key rule: if it's a solid, it can go through; if it can spill, spread, or pour and exceeds 3.4 ounces, it should be in checked baggage. Additional screenings may be required, so it's advisable to pack these items accessibly.

Football remains a beloved Thanksgiving tradition, with three NFL games scheduled for the holiday and one additional game on Black Friday. This tradition dates back to 1934, originally featuring a game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. Currently, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys host games yearly, maintaining a tradition that has been part of American culture for decades.

Travelers should be prepared for crowded airports and potential delays. In a statement, TSA chief David Pekoske advised travelers to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. Meanwhile, holiday travel is expected to peak, with over 80 million Americans traveling this season.

Lastly, scrutiny on airline fees continues as the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations reported that major airlines, including American, Delta, and United, accumulated $12.4 billion from surcharges for preferred seating between 2018 and 2023. The committee plans to question airline executives on these added costs, which cover seats with extra legroom or better positioning.

Thanksgiving this year promises a mix of festive joy, bustling activity, and careful consideration of the potential challenges posed by severe weather and busy travel corridors. Whether staying put or venturing out, a bit of extra planning and patience will go a long way in ensuring a safe and happy holiday.