In some areas, up to 36 inches of snow could accumulate, with winds reaching speeds of up to 55 mph. The hazardous conditions are expected to significantly impact Thanksgiving travel, with reduced visibility and snow-covered roads making driving conditions treacherous.

The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning travelers that "formidable" lake effect snow is likely to cause disruptions for many over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Travel disruptions are expected across the eastern half of the U.S. on Thanksgiving as a powerful winter storm moves into the area bringing heavy snow to interior portions of the Northeast, rain to the Interstate 95 corridor and severe weather to the Southeast.