Weather
North Carolina Thanksgiving Travel: Storm Risk Nov. 18–24
Raleigh, NC – Thanksgiving travelers across North Carolina should prepare for the possibility of unsettled weather from November 18–24, with rain, developing storm systems and potential mountain snow
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-11-11T05:08:58.350Z
Raleigh, NC – Thanksgiving travelers across North Carolina should prepare for the possibility of unsettled weather from November 18–24, with rain, developing storm systems and potential mountain snow or ice among the concerns as holiday traffic increases on Interstate 40, Interstate 85 and Interstate 95.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 outlook highlights elevated probabilities of above normal precipitation across a broad section of the United States from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24. The strongest precipitation signals are concentrated farther west, meaning a significant storm affecting North Carolina is not yet confirmed.
However, the potential eastward movement of weather systems deserves attention as Thanksgiving approaches, especially for travelers crossing the Appalachian Mountains or using major interstate corridors.
Charlotte, Concord and the Piedmont Charlotte, Concord, Huntersville, Gastonia and surrounding Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Gaston county communities could experience periods of rain if approaching storm systems reach the region.
Interstate 77, Interstate 85 and Interstate 485 are important routes to monitor.
Heavier showers could reduce visibility, create slick pavement and worsen congestion around Charlotte's busiest highway interchanges.
Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill and surrounding Wake, Durham and Orange county communities could face changing weather conditions during the preholiday travel period.
Interstate 40, Interstate 440, Interstate 540 and U.S. Highway 1 could experience rain related slowdowns if precipitation develops.
Drivers should monitor forecasts closely as traffic increases around Raleigh Durham International Airport and major shopping and travel corridors.
Greensboro, Winston Salem and the Triad Greensboro, Winston Salem, High Point, Burlington and surrounding communities could also experience periods of unsettled weather.
Interstate 40, Interstate 85 and Interstate 73 will be key routes to watch for reduced visibility and wet pavement.
Rain is the primary concern, although colder temperatures could introduce the possibility of mixed precipitation in some inland locations.
Asheville, Boone and the North Carolina Mountains Asheville, Hendersonville, Waynesville, Boone, Blowing Rock and surrounding mountain communities warrant particular attention for possible winter weather.
Snow, sleet or freezing rain could develop at higher elevations if sufficiently cold air overlaps with incoming precipitation.
Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge, Interstate 26 near the Tennessee border, U.S. Highway 421 and mountain sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway could become hazardous if winter precipitation develops.
The current outlook does not establish snowfall totals or confirm that mountain passes will experience ice.
Hickory, Morganton and the Foothills Hickory, Morganton, Lenoir and surrounding foothill communities could see periods of rain, with colder precipitation possible if temperatures drop sufficiently.
Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 321 are important travel corridors connecting the Piedmont with western North Carolina.
Fayetteville, Wilmington and Eastern North Carolina Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Greenville, Wilmington and Jacksonville could experience rain if developing weather systems reach eastern North Carolina.
Interstate 95, Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 70 are major travel routes where heavier showers could cause reduced visibility and slower traffic.
Coastal areas should also monitor changing wind conditions if an organized weather system develops, although no specific coastal storm is indicated by the long range outlook.
Thanksgiving Travel: Could Storms or Mountain Ice Disrupt Highways? The November 18–24 outlook ends two days before Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, making the timing important for families planning early holiday departures.
Rain and slick roads are the primary hazards to monitor across much of North Carolina. Mountain snow and freezing precipitation remain conditional concerns, especially across the higher elevations of western North Carolina.
NOAA's accompanying temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across much of the country, making widespread low elevation snow or ice less likely than rain.
The November 18–24 outlook measures the probability of above normal precipitation, not the probability of severe thunderstorms, flooding, snowfall or a specific winter storm.
North Carolina travelers should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts and North Carolina Department of Transportation road conditions as Thanksgiving approaches.