Millions of Americans are bracing for two “powerful” storms that are expected to dump heavy blankets of snow and force road closures and flight delays, as families prepare for a busy week of travel over the Thanksgiving holiday.

A snowy weather system could linger through the rest of the week and weekend as it moves east, potentially bringing snow to New England and bringing a wintry coast-to-coast blow to the holiday weekend.

Read more from Alex Woodward about the gloomy weather forecast – and stay safe!

Many of you may be wondering what the route of the iconic parade will be. Look no further!

Central Park West and 77th Street is the starting point for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, near the New York Historical Society and the American Museum of Natural History.

It goes down from there Central Park West, perhaps the best place to watch the parade – between West 75th and West 61st Streets – before continuing on to Columbus Circle the infamously busy roundabout at the intersection of Eighth Avenue, Broadway, 59th Street and Central Park West.

The parade then continues to Central Park South and 6th Avenue runs along the east side of the park, although there are no views along this part of the parade route.

However, there are great views along the way 6th Ave from 59th to 38th Street, but be sure to avoid the last 4 blocks to 34th Street, which are closed to the national television broadcasts.

After the 25-block march along 6th Avenue, the Thanksgiving Day Parade reaches its final stretch 34th Street and heads west toward 7th Avenue.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ends at the front Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street between Broadway and 7th Ave.

Kylie Minogue took to the stage at the iconic parade in front of the Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street in a stripped-down, red and black pantsuit – appropriate for the cold and rainy New York City weather.

She completed her look with bright pink eyeshadow.

The legendary Australian singer of course sang her hit “Padam Padam” and her early 1990s hit “Can’t Get You Out of My Hea”.

She will launch her highly anticipated Tension Tour in 2025, starting on April 19, with Rita Ora as her special guest.

The 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is expected to be like no other.

This year, the iconic event will feature 10 performance groups, 11 marching bands, 17 huge character balloons, 22 floats, 15 historic inflatables and 700 clowns, as well as appearances from fan favorite stars like Cynthia Erivo, Idina Menzel, Ariana Madix, Coco Jones and Walker Hayes.

Here’s where and how you can watch it!

Hello and welcome to That of the Independents live blog of the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Happy Holidays!

The annual parade kicked off Thursday morning in New York City with a steady rain that added ponchos and umbrellas to the lineup of balloons, floats and highly anticipated star-studded performances.

Jennifer Hudson, Idina Menzel and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo are scheduled to take the stage, following a Kylie Minogue show.

The Australian pop icon performed a short medley of her hits outside the Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street in Manhattan, including songs Padam Padam and Can’t Get You Out Of My Head.

Stay tuned for live updates!