“Record-Breaking Holiday Travel: Millions Brace for Extreme Winter Weather!”

A traveler makes their way into the Nashville International Airport, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.

George Walker IV/AP

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George Walker IV/AP

Millions have commenced their travels for the festive season, facing chilly temperatures, snow flurries, and slippery roads as winter conditions disrupt traffic nationwide.

Over 119 million individuals are anticipated to journey for Christmas and Hanukkah, which coincide this year, extending into the New Year—a number that would surpass a travel record established in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by AAA.

Here is what you should know about holiday travel.

Rain and snow creating travel difficulties for some

Rain and snow showers have affected the Pacific Northwest since Saturday, while in the Northeast and regions around the Great Lakes, arctic air has caused temperature drops, according to the National Weather Service.

Travelers at numerous airports have already faced delays as the holidays approach. On Friday, heavy fog resulted in hundreds of delays at San Diego International Airport, as stated by KPBS. Passengers flying in and out of Boston Logan International Airport have also encountered delays due to ice and snow.

On Sunday, substantial snowfall is anticipated across the northern Cascades in the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, while flooding may occur along the coastal regions of northern California.

Precipitation will persist across the Pacific Northwest on Monday, according to the NWS. The western areas of the Great Lakes may also experience additional snowfall.

On Christmas Eve, travel is expected to be challenging in many parts of the nation as thunderstorms are predicted in the southern Plains. Rain is likely to slow travel on the West Coast and in the Ohio Valley as well. Snow is also forecasted for the Northeast, where some locations may receive 1 to 3 inches, potentially leading to a white Christmas.

This graphic of the U.S. illustrates areas most likely to have snow on Christmas Day.

NWS/weather.gov

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NWS/weather.gov

Regions of the West Coast — including Washington, Oregon, and northern California — the Midwest, areas surrounding the Great Lakes, and northern New England may also experience a white Christmas, according to the NWS.

Be ready for delays

If traveling during the holidays, be ready for lengthy lines at airports and extended driving times.

Arrive at airports ahead of time and allow for additional time to check luggage and go through security, stated David Pekoske, administrator of the Transportation Security Administration.

“We have recently added over 600 new officers to accommodate the surge, but it will still require time to navigate through the airport,” Pekoske mentioned in a social media post on Friday.

Over 43,000 flights are forecasted to depart Sunday and around 43,500 are expected to operate on Monday as well, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. At least 10,000 flights in and out of the U.S. were delayed on Friday, and more than 9,500 were delayed on Saturday, as per FlightAware. Approximately 3,500 flights in and out of the U.S. had been delayed as of Sunday afternoon.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are forecasted to have the lowest air traveler numbers, with just over 30,000 flights departing each day, the FAA states. Additionally, if traveling by car, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day may provide better circumstances due to minimal traffic disruptions, according to AAA.

If you’re taking the train, Amtrak is informing travelers of “prolonged delays” in the Northeast owing to single tracking and overhead wiring issues, which have resulted in cancellations at several stations.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Friday, as part of a public service campaign, also advised travelers to prepare by setting up alerts in the FEMA app and following TSA for updates. They also cautioned drivers to ensure they possess an emergency car kit.