Thanksgiving holiday travel is facing major challenges this year as a powerful storm moves from the Rockies to the Midwest and Northeast, bringing heavy rain, snow, and icy conditions. With nearly 72 million people expected to hit the road and millions more flying, the weather is making an already busy travel season even more chaotic.
A Record Year for Thanksgiving Travel
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipated screening nearly 3 million passengers on Wednesday alone, as families rushed to reach their Thanksgiving destinations. On the roads, AAA projected a record-breaking 71.7 million drivers, up more than a million from last year, navigating highways across the country.
But for many, their journeys have been far from smooth. Weather conditions have caused widespread delays for air travelers, while wet and snowy roads are making driving hazardous in several regions.
Stormโs Path: From Rockies to the Northeast
The massive storm began its trek over the Rockies on Wednesday morning, dumping snow in the region. By the afternoon, it slowed slightly, but its impact quickly spread eastward.
In the Midwest, cities like St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh braced for a mix of rain, ice, and snow on Wednesday evening, creating slick and treacherous conditions. By early Thanksgiving morning, the stormโs reach extended to the I-95 corridor, bringing cold rain from Richmond, Virginia, all the way up to Boston.
The heaviest snow is forecast for interior parts of the Northeast and New England. Areas north of the Hudson Valley in upstate New York and interior New England could see up to 3 inches of snow, with some mountain regions expecting over 6 inches. From northeastern Pennsylvania to New Hampshire, snow totals could range from 3 to 6 inches, accompanied by strong winds that may lead to power outages.
Flight Delays and Cancellations Pile Up
Air travelers across the U.S. have been hit hard by the storm. By Wednesday night, nearly 4,000 flights were delayed, and 45 were canceled, according to FlightAware.
American Airlines reported operating nearly 6,400 flights on Tuesday and anticipated similar numbers on Wednesday, serving over 650,000 passengers. Thatโs nearly 4.5 flights taking off every minute.
Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey faced particularly severe disruptions. A shortage of air traffic controllers triggered a ground delay from 1 p.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday. As a result, more than 300 delays were reported, with some flights delayed by over 95 minutes.
Denver International Airport led the nation in delays, with 600 flights affected on Wednesday. Snow and ice forced airport crews to deice planes before departure. Delays were also common in Boston, Dallas, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Los Angeles due to varying weather conditions, including fog, low ceilings, and freezing temperatures.
Tampa International Airport faced delays as well, with fog affecting visibility and slowing down operations.
Roads Made Treacherous by Rain and Snow
For those traveling by car, weather conditions created significant challenges. Key highways like I-80, I-64, and I-75 were drenched in rain, while I-25 and I-70 in the Rockies were blanketed in snow.
Thanksgiving Day itself is expected to bring more rain along the East Coast, affecting the I-95 corridor from Florida to Maine. In interior New England, heavy snow could make driving nearly impossible in some areas. Drivers are urged to exercise caution, as slick roads and reduced visibility could lead to accidents.
Thanksgiving Morning: Parade Faces the Weather
Despite the rain, New York Cityโs iconic Macyโs Thanksgiving Day Parade will go on as planned. Weather forecasts show steady rain and temperatures in the 40s, but wind speeds are expected to remain below 10 mph, allowing the paradeโs famous balloons to fly.
Parade organizers have strict safety guidelines: balloons cannot take flight if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or gusts surpass 34 mph. Fortunately, the weather seems to be cooperating just enough to keep the festivities alive for spectators lining the streets and millions watching from home.
Looking Ahead: Travel Eases by Friday, but Cold Lingers
The storm is expected to move out of New England by late Thursday night, allowing most travel to return to normal by Friday morning. However, cold winds will sweep through New England, and lake-effect snow could develop around the Great Lakes, continuing into the weekend.
Sunday, typically the busiest travel day of the Thanksgiving holiday, will see 3 million people pass through TSA checkpoints. This would come close to breaking the all-time record of 3.01 million passengers set earlier this year on the Sunday following the Fourth of July.
Tips for Travelers During the Storm
- Check Flight Status: Before heading to the airport, verify your flightโs status to avoid unnecessary waits. Airlines are updating schedules frequently.
- Drive Safely: If youโre driving, plan your route carefully and prepare for delays. Bring extra supplies like blankets, water, and snacks in case you get stuck.
- Be Patient: Whether youโre flying or driving, allow extra time to deal with weather-related delays and traffic.
A Stormy Thanksgiving with a Silver Lining
While the storm is causing significant disruptions, thereโs hope on the horizon. The worst of the weather will clear by the weekend, and most holiday travelers will eventually reach their destinations.
For now, though, the storm serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with holiday travel โ and the resilience of those determined to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones, no matter the weather.
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