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Michigan braces for Thanksgiving travel chaos as cold front slams in

Mild Tuesday turns treacherous by Wednesday: 40 mph gusts, lake-effect snow, and slick highways. Will your holiday trip survive the freeze?

As we can see in the image there is snow, trees, sky and clouds.
As we can see in the image there is snow, trees, sky and clouds.

Michigan braces for Thanksgiving travel chaos as cold front slams in

A cold front will sweep through Michigan this week, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and wintry conditions. After a mild Tuesday, residents can expect rain, strong winds, and snow showers—just in time for Thanksgiving travel.

Rain showers will move across the state on Tuesday as temperatures stay mild, reaching near 50 degrees. The warmth won’t last, though.

By Wednesday, gusts up to 40 mph will hit the region, pushing wind chills into the upper teens. Snow showers will also pick up, with lake-effect snow hitting hardest on the west side of Michigan. Visibility may drop significantly, making travel tricky by Wednesday evening.

Overnight, Southeast Michigan could see around an inch of snow on grassy areas, while roads may develop slick patches. The cold air settling in will keep conditions chilly through Thanksgiving. Highs on the holiday will struggle to climb out of the 30s, a stark contrast to Tuesday’s milder weather.

Travel delays are likely, especially on the west side of the state, where lake-effect snow will be most intense. Poor visibility and icy stretches could linger into Thursday morning.

The sudden shift from mild to wintry weather will create hazardous conditions for holiday travellers. Drivers are advised to check road updates and prepare for reduced visibility, particularly in western Michigan. The cold snap will mark the end of November with a sharp drop in temperatures.

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