Winter Storms Threaten Holiday Travel Plans
As millions of Americans gear up to travel for Christmas, the looming threat of inclement winter weather hangs over their festive plans. While no major storms are on the horizon, rounds of rain and snow are expected to slow down holiday travel, particularly in the eastern US. This year, a record-breaking 120 million people are expected to hit the roads and skies, according to AAA.
Trouble Spots to Watch Out For
The West and the southern Plains are anticipated to face inclement weather this week, while the coldest air of the season will make a brief appearance in the Northeast. However, areas in the central and eastern US are looking at a more favorable forecast for Christmas Day. Though light rain may be in the cards for cities like Atlanta and Chicago, last-minute travelers shouldn’t face major disruptions. Wednesday is expected to be a smoother day for travel overall.
Snowfall Blankets the Northeast
Over the weekend, several inches of snow covered parts of the Northeast, with snowflakes even making their way to the Interstate 95 corridor from Philadelphia to Boston. Slippery conditions plagued travelers during what is typically one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and eastern Connecticut saw 3-6 inches of snow by Saturday morning, with Boston’s Fenway Park reporting a solid 6 inches.
What Lies Ahead
Another snow-producing system is making its way through the Great Lakes region, spreading light to moderate snow across Wisconsin and Michigan. Winter Weather Advisories are posted from Wisconsin to Maine, as well as in parts of the mid-Atlantic, indicating the threat of freezing rain, sleet, and light snow that could create icy roads on Christmas Eve.
Amidst all the chaos, Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia are included in winter weather alerts, with the possibility of icy conditions on Tuesday morning. However, the snow and wintry mix are expected to taper off by Christmas Eve, making travel in the latter half of the day less hazardous.
