Navigating Christmas Chaos: A State-by-State Guide to Holiday Driving Challenges

What’s New

Alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) on Wednesday morning indicate which states are facing the riskiest travel conditions as individuals embark on their Christmas family gatherings.

Why It Matters

This year, millions of Americans are set to travel during the holiday season. The American Automobile Association’s report anticipated that over 119 million Americans would have at least a 50-mile journey for year-end festivities. Nearly 8 million are expected to take to the skies for air travel.

Many travelers may already be at their destinations since escape journeys commenced over the weekend. Nevertheless, those departing on Christmas morning for local celebrations may encounter perilous road conditions, contingent upon their geographic location.

What to Know

As per NWS predictions, at least 11 states experienced challenging driving conditions on Wednesday morning.

A prevalent issue was the heavy fog affecting the central U.S., stretching from North Dakota down to Texas. In most areas under a dense fog advisory, alerts are expected to last until late morning or noon local time.

Weather experts cautioned that dense fog poses a travel risk, with visibility dropping below a quarter mile in certain areas.

In the Northwest, several states had winter weather advisories or similar alerts. An atmospheric river impacted the Pacific Northwest earlier in the week, with more adverse weather expected on Wednesday night.

Significant snowfall is forecasted to commence across Washington and Oregon by late morning or afternoon, based on the specific locality. The effects in California are anticipated to begin later on Wednesday night.

While no issues are expected on Wednesday morning, both northern Montana and northern Idaho are predicted to face winter storm conditions on Thursday morning, which may disrupt Christmas travelers headed home. High winds are also expected to initiate in Wyoming on Thursday, potentially affecting travel for individuals returning home.

In Alaska, numerous winter weather-related alerts are active, including warnings for snow that might hamper travel.

What People Are Saying

NWS Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Rich Otto remarked to Newsweek: Following a short break from stormy conditions on Wednesday, substantial snow and rain will resume in the Pacific Northwest by Wednesday night (…) regions in California could receive up to 12 inches of rain or snow by the end of the weekend.

NWS Bismarck, North Dakota, issued a dense fog advisory: “Poor visibility could result in hazardous driving conditions. The fog may create a thin ice layer on surfaces, making them slick. If you must drive, slow down, use your headlights, and maintain significant distance in front of you.”

NWS Seattle issued a winter storm warning: “Travel may be extremely arduous to near impossible. Strong winds could take down tree branches.”

NWS Fairbanks, Alaska, issued a winter storm warning: “Travel could be exceedingly challenging. The dangerously low wind chills, potentially reaching 35 degrees below zero, could lead to frostbite on skin exposed for as little as 10 minutes.”

NWS Missoula, Montana, in a winter weather advisory: The office alerted that certain areas within the forecast region could face “major impacts” from snowfall beginning on Thursday, which may lead to considerable disruptions in regular activities. “If feasible, avoid travel in the affected regions. Extensive closures and disruptions to infrastructure may arise. Hazardous conditions could hinder the Thursday morning commute, particularly over elevated passes.”

What Happens Next

Most dense fog advisories are expected to conclude by Wednesday afternoon, clearing the routes for those wishing to return home on Christmas Day. However, turbulent weather is anticipated to escalate in the Pacific Northwest by Wednesday night, possibly hindering travelers returning from their holiday trips. Individuals planning to drive in the affected regions during the storm should verify which weather warnings are in effect from their local NWS office.