'Enhanced' severe weather risk issued as Thanksgiving week storm threatens much of U.S.

Thanksgiving week faces an “enhanced risk of severe weather” that could slam the U.S. with tornadoes, snow and Santa Ana winds, national forecasters warned Monday.

The National Weather Service issued this update on potential storm snafus as an estimated 55 million Americans prepare to travel for the holiday.

Intense weather will first strike the deep south, from Texas to Mississippi, where forecasters predict an outbreak of severe thunderstorms will hit Monday.

Those storms could bring tornadoes, heavy downpours and hail, according to the National Weather Service.

Tuesday will see rain and thunder strike the Midwest and head toward New England where freezing rain could be possible, according to the prediction.

A CNN forecast warns of possible rain mixed with sleet and snow across Pennsylvania and southern New York, fouling up conditions for several major east coast airline hubs. It also warns tornadoes could strike Alabama or Florida.

On Wednesday, cold air will blow across the southern Plains and later this week Santa Ana winds will sweep through southern California, the National Weather Service predicts.

While New Englanders will feel unseasonably cold weather, some regions along the Gulf Coast could see temperatures in the 80s, according to the National Weather Service.

Bad weather might also disrupt trips back home over the weekend, when a storm could slam the East Coast, according to CNN.