New York and New Jersey are bracing for the possibility of a major winter storm in the coming days, with harsh weather conditions set to disrupt millions of Thanksgiving travel plans across the country.

Meteorologists predict temperatures will plunge into the mid-40s as heavy rain and strong winds sweep through the metropolitan area from Wednesday night into Thursday.

Meanwhile, residents in northern New Jersey and regions of western and upstate New York could face significantly colder conditions, accompanied by snowfall, according to FOX Weather.

The impending storm is expected to complicate travel plans at the start of the busy holiday week, experts have warned.

“Keep an eye on the low pressure system forming south of New York, as it could bring stronger winds and crumble airports ahead of the holiday,” said Cody Braud, a meteorologist at FOX Weather, during an interview with the Post on Sunday.

While it remains too early to determine the precise amount of rain that will fall in New York City or the exact weather conditions for Thanksgiving Day and the preceding Wednesday, forecasters are confident that a “significant” amount of precipitation will arrive by the end of the week. Wind gusts could also reach speeds of 40 mph.

A developing pressure system south of New York City could exacerbate the situation, bringing even more rain and high winds as it intensifies.

Amid the chaos, one positive outcome of the storm is the anticipated reduction in wildfire risks across New York and New Jersey. According to Braud, “The incoming rain would help ease the dangerous fire conditions currently across New York and New Jersey, as increased humidity, high rain and no lightning all lower the risk for wildfire conditions.”

The first significant winter storm of the season is forming in the Ohio River Valley, set to make its way eastward early this week.

Appalachia and the Great Lakes regions are expected to experience temperatures cold enough to produce heavy snowfall between Wednesday and Thursday.

Meanwhile, severe weather in the southern and central plains is forecast to bring tornadoes and flooding earlier in the week, with flash flooding a particular concern in those areas.

Although most of the country won’t experience snowfall, the low-pressure system is expected to usher in a considerable drop in temperatures nationwide by midweek.

By Thursday, as these weather systems progress, FOX Weather estimates that 138 million Americans will find themselves contending with below-average temperatures.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Last year, AAA reported that 55.4 million people journeyed 50 miles or more during the holiday season, with the majority traveling by car rather than by air.

{Matzav.com}