Winter storm threatens Thanksgiving journey

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WKBW) — Nearly 82 million individuals are anticipated to journey for Thanksgiving this yr, based on AAA, marking what might be a record-breaking vacation journey season. However, a winter storm brewing may create difficult circumstances for each air and street vacationers in Western New York.

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The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is getting ready for unprecedented journey quantity. Officials say the frenzy will unfold over 10 days quite than being concentrated within the conventional day earlier than Thanksgiving.

“We’re definitely expecting a record number this year,” stated public info officer with the NFTA, Kelly Khatib. “People are definitely leaving earlier than they used to. They’re taking that longer time to stay and kind of spend some time with their family.”

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A winter storm is anticipated to maneuver into Western New York Wednesday night time. Airport officers say the storm could not considerably influence flight operations, however vacationers ought to pay attention to circumstances of their departure and vacation spot cities.

“Right now, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to be too much impacting the airport, but we do also want to remind people who are in those places that are affected, if it gets bad, if there is a travel warning or travel ban, that they don’t travel through that,” stated Khatib.

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Laura Ramirez, heading to Houston to go to family members, emphasised the significance of preparation for air journey.

“You never know what happens days before the trip even starts,” stated Ramirez. “We always try to keep track of what delays may pop up for our flights. Just be prepared and just have all the information needed.”

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From air journey to street journey, Erie County Department of Public Works Commissioner Bill Geary tells me his crews have a plan in place for the climate circumstances anticipated this week.

“Wednesday night, probably, is probably the worst time,” stated Geary. “So, we’ll have crews on the ready as well as working probably around the clock from Wednesday afternoon through Friday afternoon.”

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Geary expressed concern about blowing and drifting snow and urged drivers to train warning round snowplows.

“Just give the plows plenty of room. Don’t crowd them, said Geary. “Just be vigilant. Be very vigilant, and have situational consciousness round what’s taking place with the climate always.”

WATCH: ‘We’ll have crews on the ready’: Winter storm threatens Thanksgiving travel

‘We’ll have crews on the prepared’: Winter storm threatens Thanksgiving journey

Whether touring by air or automotive, officers advocate giving your self loads of time to succeed in your remaining vacation spot throughout what guarantees to be a busy and probably weather-impacted vacation journey interval.

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