The National Weather Service gave out a winter storm warning for those who are living in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. Thousands of families needed to make last minute changes on their travel plans in order to avoid getting stuck on roadways or being left stranded at jampacked airports.
According to the weather forecast, major Northeast cities would most likely see moderate to heavy rain for the most part of the day. Other places such as New York are bracing for several inches of snow which could reach around three to five inches or even more.
Authorities have issued a winter storm watch and expressed that early morning in New York City would most likely be rainy. At noon time, the temperatures are predicted to drop and the rain will be replaced by snow. The storm is expected to intensify which shall continue until late in the evening. Temperatures should hover around the 32 degree-level while snow would most likely be wet and heavy.
Elsewhere such as parts of New Jersey, people should expect as much as 10 inches of snow.
The latest forecasts also predicted that the divide between snow and rain, otherwise known as the 'rain-snow' line could possibly be witnessed along the Interstate 95 corridor. People who are planning to travel for Thanksgiving are focusing on this line.
"Where the rain-snow line will set up is creating a very challenging forecast," said meteorologist David Stark of the Weather Service.
In the meantime, Andrew Orrison, also a meteorologist, forecasted that higher elevations situated at the west side of the Interstate 95 corridor could see as high as 6 to 12 inches of snow.
Some travelers have opted not to wait for the precipitation to start and decided to hit the road early in order to reach their holiday dinners right on schedule.
"I always go on Tuesday to try to avoid the Wednesday rush, but it seems like more people are leaving on Tuesday now," said Bill Fraser, a landscaper who hails from Henniker, New Hampshire. He was traveling from Boston to New Rochelle, New York by train to spend Thanksgiving with his mother.
Some flights have already been canceled late Tuesday while some schools needed to call off their classes beginning Wednesday. Tuesday traffic jams were also seen even after rush hour and the lines at the gas station were also observed.
