Sweeping winter weather is expected to wreak havoc across the country on Monday, causing flight delays and hazardous driving conditions for post-Thanksgiving travelers. A coastal storm moving up the Northeast Coast is forecast to bring rain and snow, significantly impacting travel. The Great Lakes region is also expected to experience several days of lake-effect snow.

According to AccuWeather, as of Monday afternoon, FlightAware reported 3,366 flight delays within, into, or out of the United States, along with 36 cancellations. The Sunday after Thanksgiving traditionally sees the highest travel volume, but AAA also mentioned Monday as a popular day for holiday passengers.

The National Weather Service predicts that cold air moving over the warmer Great Lakes will create lake-effect snow in areas south of Lake Superior and east of Lake Michigan. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is expected to receive four to six inches of snow, while the western Lower Peninsula of Michigan may see two to four inches. Heavier bands of snow are anticipated to move downwind towards east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, possibly bringing 12 to 18 inches of snow and over two feet in some areas.

AccuWeather Meteorologist Jake Sojda warned that the lake-effect snow is expected to reach peak intensity across the entire Great Lakes from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning. He emphasized that the temperature difference between the frigid air and the still relatively warmer lake waters could lead to bursts of heavy snow, extending as far east as northern New England early in the week. Travel in the heaviest snow bands, particularly in New York, could become nearly impossible after dark Monday due to gusty winds and snowfall rates of a few inches per hour, creating blizzard-like conditions.

In addition to the lake-effect snow, a coastal storm moving along the Northeast coast is expected to bring much-needed wet weather to some areas. However, it may also bring cold and snow for the week ahead. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys stated that the coastal storm is likely to douse the cities along Interstate 95 from eastern Virginia to Maine on Monday. The heaviest rain is forecasted to hit the coasts up to Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts. By Tuesday, a cold front is predicted to bring significantly colder temperatures across the country.

According to the National Weather Service, high temperatures on Tuesday are expected to be in the 30s and 40s for New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and even into the Carolinas. Frigid conditions with highs in the 20s and 30s are forecasted for the Great Lakes and Midwest regions. The Central Plains, Middle Mississippi, and Ohio Valleys are likely to have temperatures in the 30s and 40s, while Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley may experience highs in the 50s. The Pacific Northwest expects temperatures in the 50s, while California and the Desert Southwest could see highs in the 60s and 70s, respectively.

Despite the challenging weather conditions, Sunday saw a record-breaking 2.9 million passengers screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Monday is also expected to be a busy travel day as airports across the country anticipate a significant number of passengers. The San Diego International Airport, for example, is projecting more than 80,000 travelers during the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving, with both days historically being the busiest travel days of the holiday week.

As travelers navigate the winter storm and its aftermath, it is important to stay informed about flight delays, road conditions, and any updates from airlines and authorities regarding travel advisories and safety precautions.