As the holiday season winds down, travelers across the U.S. are bracing for a bumpy journey home due to severe weather conditions.
A mix of storms and thick fog is creating a significant headache for travelers in the southern U.S., with Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana facing the brunt of it. Thursday saw severe weather and tornadoes disrupting flights in these regions, and while a temporary respite is expected on Friday, more thunderstorms and rain are predicted for Saturday. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for these areas, indicating a potential return of severe weather, including isolated storms along the Mississippi coast.
Meanwhile, dense fog advisories are causing visibility issues on roads across several states including Texas, Wisconsin, and Maryland. This fog is adding another layer of complexity for drivers who are already coping with busy holiday traffic.
In the northwestern part of the country, storms are expected to continue through the weekend across the northern Rocky Mountains, with significant rainfall predicted for Washington, Oregon, and northern California. The National Weather Service has indicated that regions may see between three to five inches of rain by weekend’s end.
Interestingly, much of the U.S. is also experiencing warmer than usual temperatures for this time of year. Record high morning temperatures are predicted in areas such as the central Plains and the Great Lakes region, contributing to an unusual weather pattern across the country.
These conditions have already led to widespread travel delays. Thursday’s severe weather resulted in over 8,000 flight delays, predominantly in the Dallas area where airports implemented ground stops. Although the situation showed signs of improvement on Friday, some airports like San Francisco International are still dealing with delays, currently averaging about 40 minutes.
Travelers should be prepared for potential last-minute changes as flight statuses continue to fluctuate, particularly for destinations like Aspen, Colorado, and Palm Beach, Florida, where longer delays have been reported.
On a broader scale, the holiday travel numbers are staggering. Between December 21 and December 26, more than 15 million travelers have passed through U.S. airport security, with daily numbers exceeding 2 million. This year, AAA has projected a record high in holiday travel, estimating that 119 million people will journey more than 50 miles from home, primarily by road.
As the holiday travel rush continues, understanding the impact of weather conditions is crucial for those on the move. Keeping informed on the latest forecasts can help mitigate some of the stress associated with tricky travel situations.
Source: Forbes
