Christmas Eve Travel Turmoil: Anticipating Delays at Key Airports

New York City might experience its first white Christmas in 15 years

One inch of new snowfall brought additional holiday joy to New York City on Tuesday, boosting the likelihood that Central Park could enjoy its first white Christmas in 15 years.

As Christmas Day approaches, forecasts are revealing which states and cities might experience a snow-covered holiday.

New York City could be among that list for the first time in 15 years, as Central Park recorded one inch of snow on Christmas Eve morning, the precise measurement needed to classify as a “white Christmas.” Temperatures above freezing may melt some of this snow before the holiday arrives.

Snow flurries passed through the New York area early Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in New York City.

Read the complete article by Anna Skinner on Newsweek.

Amid holiday travel upheaval, Americans encounter economic strain this festive season

Sixty-eight percent of Americans believe that Santa’s kindness will be lessened this Christmas due to economic challenges, according to a recent WalletHub poll. As the holiday season brings its typical travel turmoil, many individuals are experiencing financial pressure. More than half of the participants stated they are still in debt from last year’s holiday expenditures. Additionally, 52 percent of Americans intend to apply for new credit cards to finance this year’s celebrations, while 75 percent claim inflation has influenced their charitable contributions.

In spite of these worries, consumer optimism is rising compared to previous years, with forecasts predicting a 7 percent increase in overall holiday expenses.

According to a survey conducted by Price Waterhouse Cooper, the average shopper is expected to spend approximately $1,638, with younger cohorts, such as Gen Z and millennials, leaning toward sustainable acquisitions and experiences rather than tangible items. Conversely, Gen X and baby boomers are more inclined to prefer gift cards and shopping at physical stores.

Northwest storms introduce flooding and avalanche threats throughout the holidays

The Northwest is enduring a sequence of significant storms this week, elevating the danger of flooding, mudslides, and avalanches, especially in coastal regions of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. AccuWeather projects up to 8 inches of rain through Friday, with a Local StormMax of 16 inches in certain locations. Snow levels in the Cascades and northern Rockies will fluctuate, resulting in substantial snowfall and possible closures of mountain passes.

The storms could additionally produce destructive winds of up to 80 mph, heightening the risk for power outages and damage to trees in coastal regions. These perilous conditions are anticipated to persist beyond Christmas, creating ongoing travel threats.

Intense thunderstorms endanger the South Central U.S. with hail and tornadoes

Intense thunderstorms are forecasted to hit the South Central U.S. on Thursday, escalating the threat of hail, heavy precipitation, destructive winds, and isolated tornadoes. AccuWeather meteorologists have assigned a moderate risk to specific areas in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

The storms could generate wind gusts up to 75 mph and as much as 4 inches of rainfall in some regions. Travelers and residents in these areas should brace for potential disruptions, including power outages and airline delays, as the storms pass through.

Wintery conditions may affect holiday travel in Upper Midwest and northern Plains

Freezing drizzle and fog are anticipated to hinder holiday travel across parts of the Upper Midwest and northern Plains on Christmas Day and Thursday. The National Weather Service indicates that conditions in cities like Minneapolis, Green Bay, and Fargo could reduce visibility and create icy patches on bridges and overpasses.

Travelers in Chicago and Kansas City may also encounter
“`certainty that nearly fifty percent of states in the U.S. are anticipating a white Christmas this year, particularly in the northern regions.

Wintry mix hinders holiday travel along the East Coast

A brief wintry mix is advancing east of I-95 in Virginia, causing travel difficulties for those departing for the holidays. As stated by the National Weather Service, icy rain and sleet will affect the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. region before 10 a.m. on Tuesday, followed by rainfall between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

While there is an 80 percent likelihood of precipitation, ice development is projected to be slight, with less than a half-inch of sleet accumulation anticipated.

The wintry mix will stretch from Boston and New York City to Philadelphia and possibly Washington, D.C., rendering roads slick in certain areas. Snow and ice accumulation will be more significant from northern Michigan to northern New York and New England.

With temperatures hovering in the 20s, minor accumulations have been observed on untreated surfaces. Nevertheless, conditions are expected to enhance by midday as temperatures exceed freezing, providing relief to travelers.

Winter storm poised to deliver snow and icy conditions

A winter storm is set to affect the Upper Midwest and Northeast, guaranteeing a snowy Christmas for many in the northern U.S. According to AccuWeather, the system will deliver additional snow from Wisconsin to Maine, with some regions expecting up to 3 inches of snow by Tuesday. Elevated areas in the Adirondacks, White Mountains, and Green Mountains could witness up to 12 inches of new snow.

The system is progressing eastward, and winter weather warnings are active from Wisconsin to Maine, including segments of the Mid-Atlantic, such as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Slippery roads are likely on Tuesday morning due to light snowfall or wintry mixes.

Prior to the storm’s arrival in the Northeast, AccuWeather indicates that the Great Lakes regions could encounter freezing rain and drizzle, which will transition into snow later in the day. Travelers should exercise caution, particularly along major highways like Interstate 90 and 35, as circumstances may remain perilous.

Winter storms trigger travel advisories for millions of Americans

Millions of Americans encountered potentially tough travel conditions as winter storm alerts and weather warnings were issued for at least 14 states early on Christmas Eve by the National Weather Service (NWS).

Each holiday season, millions of Americans venture out to travel. With Christmas approaching quickly, many are likely already en route to their destinations, making the weather forecast for the upcoming days a significant factor in shaping travel decisions.

Wintry weather can render road travel treacherous and also affect flights across the nation.

In some cases, delaying travel might be advisable.

Read the complete article by Joe Edwards on Newsweek.

National Weather Service plays vital role in ensuring secure holiday flights

This holiday season, National Weather Service (NWS) aviation meteorologists are collaborating closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to keep track of weather circumstances that may affect flights. Located within FAA Command Centers and Center Weather Service Units nationwide, NWS meteorologists offer real-time weather updates to guarantee air travel remains as safe and efficient as possible.

The NWS is concentrated on tracking weather-related threats such as storms, turbulence, and visibility complications that can disrupt flight itineraries. Their efforts behind the scenes are crucial in assisting aviation professionals to respond promptly to evolving conditions, ensuring smooth journeys for millions of holiday travelers.

What characterizes a white Christmas?

A “White Christmas” is a much-anticipated festive occurrence, yet it doesn’t simply signify that snow is falling on Christmas Day. As per the National Weather Service, a White Christmas is officially described as having at least one inch of snow on the ground by Christmas morning.

This definition is derived from historical weather data, incorporating averages from NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center. While some regions of the U.S. exhibit a greater likelihood of experiencing a White Christmas, the odds are highly location-dependent, with northern regions and higher elevations generally receiving more snowfall.

The term serves as a popular metric for assessing seasonal weather, with various locales demonstrating a significantly increased chance of snow than others.

Forecasts for a white Christmas in every state

Christmas is merely two days away, and meteorologists can now assert with relative certainty that nearly fifty percent of states in the U.S. are expecting a white Christmas this year, predominantly in the northern regions.

certainty that indicates which states can anticipate a white Christmas.

Last week, weather experts intensified their predictions regarding which states may experience a white Christmas this year.

Currently, meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) are issuing warnings related to winter weather for several states, predicting new snowfall in the days leading up to Christmas. AccuWeather has also released an updated map indicating potential white Christmas conditions.

Although the snowfall might add to the holiday spirit, at least 15 states are facing challenging travel conditions early this week due to snow and winter weather, as warned by the NWS.

Read the complete article by Anna Skinner on Newsweek.

Weather conditions predicted to improve by Christmas Day

The National Weather Service anticipates an enhancement in weather conditions throughout the U.S. by Christmas Day.

The snowstorm currently impacting the East Coast is projected to exit by Tuesday evening, providing relief to the area. Meanwhile, the West Coast will enjoy a brief respite from its stormy system on Christmas Day.

However, shortly thereafter, another series of rain and snow is expected in the mountainous regions. Overall, the holiday weekend is likely to experience calmer weather across many parts of the country.

East Coast snowfall leads to travel delays and dangerous conditions

Snow on the East Coast is causing travel interruptions Tuesday morning, with numerous areas facing poor driving conditions. Speed limitations have been implemented on roads in Pennsylvania and the New Jersey Turnpike, while parts of Massachusetts and New York are encountering icy conditions.

Flight delays are reported at Boston Logan Airport due to weather, and the FAA has also indicated delays at LaGuardia Airport in New York and Dallas/Ft. Worth International.

‘Challenging areas’ across the U.S. as millions travel for Christmas

Winter weather predictions indicate “challenging areas” across the United States, with several states expected to deal with rain or snow during the week of Christmas as millions prepare for holiday travel.

Newsweek reached out to AccuWeather via email for a response on Sunday afternoon.

Concerns persist for holiday travelers after Thanksgiving witnessed record-breaking travel this year, with countless Americans contending with hazardous weather on their return journeys following the holiday. Many individuals in the Northeast encountered perilous conditions as heavy lake-effect snow impacted Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Some officials even urged the public to postpone their travels as snowplows struggled to maintain clear roads during the heavier snowfall.

Millions of Americans are set to travel for the holiday this year. A report from AAA forecasts that over 119 million Americans have to travel at least 50 miles during the latter half of December, marking a new record.

Considering that Christmas falls on a Wednesday this year and is just three days away, many Americans might already be en route to their destinations, meaning the forthcoming forecast could significantly affect travel plans.

Read the complete article by Natalie Venegas on Newsweek.

East Coast snowfall and southern storms influence holiday travel

A considerable snowstorm is affecting the East Coast, with areas ranging from the central Appalachians to New England encountering light to moderate snow on Tuesday. Cities such as New Jersey, New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston reported snow on Tuesday morning. The snow is anticipated to dissipate by the afternoon, with temperatures in the mid-Atlantic expected to rise above freezing following an extended cold spell.

In contrast, southern regions are facing thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Parts of eastern Texas, Arkansas, and southern Missouri are experiencing storms, with rainfall predicted to surpass one inch in some areas by Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, much of the rest of the nation is enjoying mild, above-average December temperatures, providing a break from the stormy weather during the holiday season.

U.S. coasts prepare for severe weather ahead of Christmas

As Christmas nears, severe weather is impacting both U.S. coasts. Snow is sweeping through the East Coast, while the West Coast is grappling with intense storms. Northern California and parts of western Oregon are facing heavy storms through Tuesday, with alerts for high waves, coastal flooding, and thunderstorms.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains are also expected to receive several inches of rain and snow.

On Monday, the storms resulted in a partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf in California, approximately 80 miles south of San Francisco. Three individuals fell into the ocean but were reported to have only minor injuries.

While conditions are expected to enhance by Christmas Day, the weather may still influence travel plans for many.

American Airlines halts operations due to ‘vendor technology issue’

American Airlines stated that “a vendor technology issue” caused the ground stop that occurred this morning.

“That issue has been resolved and flights have resumed,” the airline mentioned. “We sincerely apologize to our customers for the inconvenience experienced this morning. The entire team is dedicated to ensuring that customers reach their destinations as quickly as possible.”

they must depart as swiftly as possible.”

Airline dashboard assists passengers in navigating cancellations and delays following American Airlines incidents

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched the Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard, a resource aimed at granting travelers straightforward access to details regarding the services provided by U.S. airlines to alleviate disruptions caused by manageable cancellations and delays.

This dashboard encompasses the 10 largest U.S. airlines, along with their regional affiliates, which together represent roughly 96% of domestic air traffic. Passengers can utilize the dashboard to discover what services an airline will extend in case of manageable delays or cancellations, such as maintenance or crew challenges. It also enables travelers to compare the promises made by numerous airlines when selecting a flight.

The DOT ensures that airlines adhere to the commitments specified in their customer service plans, guaranteeing that passengers receive suitable assistance during delays or cancellations. Nevertheless, these commitments do not influence passengers’ rights to refunds if a flight is canceled or significantly altered.

In situations involving delays or cancellations, passengers are encouraged to ask airline representatives about possible compensation, such as meals, hotel stays, or compensation for time. The DOT is also pursuing regulations that might mandate airlines to provide such compensation. For further details on refund rights and passenger entitlements, travelers can consult the DOT’s dedicated sections on refunds and disability rights.

AccuWeather forecasts a White Christmas

AccuWeather has forecasted that a greater number of towns and cities across the U.S. are predicted to have a white Christmas this year compared to previous estimates for 2023. For a Christmas to be labeled “white,” there must be a minimum of one inch of snow on the ground come Christmas morning. AccuWeather’s Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok observed that while the East Coast will experience variable temperatures leading up to the holidays, regions surrounding the Great Lakes, such as Erie, Pennsylvania, are anticipated to have snow coverage.

The forecast indicates that higher altitudes and areas traditionally recognized for a white Christmas are at an increased likelihood of snow, but the critical factor for lower altitudes will hinge on the temperatures during Christmas Eve and Day. The probability of a white Christmas remains low along the I-95 corridor, covering major cities like Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C., although there may be some rain or snow on Christmas morning.

Pastelok also pointed out that the recent unpredictable temperatures have posed difficulties for ski resorts in the Northeast in preserving their snowpack. However, conditions are expected to enhance later in December as colder air returns, leading to improved snowmaking chances between Christmas and New Year’s.

American Airlines unveils 5 new routes for 2025

American Airlines has revealed five new routes that will operate weekly starting in the summer of 2025.

The added destinations serviced by the airline will be in Canada and the Rocky Mountains. The five new flights will only operate on Saturdays, with three heading to Canada and two traveling to Montana.

These new routes will be seasonal. The American Airlines route from Chicago to/from Halifax will operate from June 21 to October 24, 2025. The flight from Dallas to/from Quebec City will function between August 9 and November 1.

Read the complete story by Brian Dillon on Newsweek.

You might qualify for a refund if your American Airlines flight was delayed this morning

If your American Airlines flight was impacted by the recent outage, you might be eligible for a refund.

New Department of Transportation regulations necessitate airlines to issue full refunds, even for non-refundable fares, if a flight is canceled and you opt not to fly.

Moreover, refunds are required if a flight is delayed by over three hours for domestic journeys or six hours for international flights, contingent on your decision not to proceed with your travel arrangements.

More than 700 delays reported throughout the U.S.

Today, there have been 703 delays throughout the U.S. alongside six cancellations, as listed by FlightAware’s MiseryMap.

The major airports in New York—JFK, EWR, and LGA—have reported 102 delays and one cancellation while Charlotte Douglas International Airport has experienced 126 delays and one flight cancellation.

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Potential thunderstorms Thursday in central and eastern Texas

Intense thunderstorms are anticipated to form Thursday across central and eastern Texas, reaching into far western Louisiana and possibly the ArkLaTex and southeastern Oklahoma, as per the National Weather Service. A southern-stream shortwave trough heading northeast across Texas will initiate surface cyclogenesis in North Texas, augmenting moisture levels across much of east and southeast Texas. Consequently, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected, particularly in the morning before severe weather threats escalate in the afternoon.

The most significant risk for severe weather is forecasted from midday to early afternoon, mainly along the I-35 and I-45 corridors in Texas, according to the NWS. Robust atmospheric instability, with dewpoints in the low 60s and up to 1250 J/kg of MLCAPE, will energize the storms. This, coupled with considerable deep-layer and low-level shear, could produce a combination of bowing segments and semi-discrete supercells capable of generating damaging winds and tornadoes.

The severe threat will likely decrease by late evening; however, isolated severe storms could linger in parts of Louisiana and the ArkLaMiss region overnight.

Top snowiest city in the U.S. disclosed

The snowiest city in the United States, as indicated by The Weather Channel’s list, is Valdez, Alaska, which receives over 325 inches of snow on average annually.

Situated east of Anchorage, it is located in an area that often encounters the “Aleutian low” pressure system and is encircled by mountains.

This combination results in typically heavy snowfall, with a record snowiest day recorded on January 16, 1990, accumulating 47.5 inches.

The deepest snow drifts documented were 135 inches, over 11 feet, on April 15, 1929, implying that even those standing on another’s shoulders would have had difficulty seeing over the snow.

Weather will not hinder Santa

The NORAD Santa Tracker has confirmed that there is “favorable flying weather” today, notwithstanding the conditions observed across the U.S.

Amtrak suspends trains between Washington and Boston due to ‘problems’

Amtrak has announced the suspension of Acela Trains 2154 and 2173 due to mechanical and equipment complications. The impacted routes were between Washington, D.C. (WAS) and Boston (BOS).

Passengers with reservations on these trains are advised to rebook on the subsequent available service.

Amtrak has apologized for the trouble caused and is striving to assist affected travelers as quickly as possible.

Winter weather alerts across 14 states as 18 inches of snowfall forecasted

Winter weather warnings have been issued for a minimum of 14 states throughout the U.S. by the National Weather Service (NWS) early on Tuesday, with up to 18 inches of snow projected for selected areas of the nation.

NWS winter weather warnings are distributed “for any amount of freezing rain, or when two to four inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience.”

Millions of individuals in the U.S. are predicted to travel during this holiday season.

With Christmas approaching, numerous Americans are likely already en route to their destinations, amplifying the importance of the weather forecast for the upcoming days for travel arrangements.

Read the entire article by Joe Edwards on Newsweek.

White Christmases becoming less common as winter warms across the U.S.

While many envision a white Christmas, the reality is that such vistas are becoming increasingly scarce. Winter is currently the fastest-warming season in the U.S., with marked warming “hot spots” noted in New England and the Upper Midwest.

According to Elizabeth Burakowski, a research assistant professor of earth sciences at the University of New Hampshire, warmer temperatures are altering the ratio of precipitation, with an increasing amount falling as rain rather than snow. As temperatures persist in rising, this trend is expected to worsen, further diminishing the chances of snow on Christmas Day in many regions of the country.

Holiday weather forecast: travel interruptions anticipated Christmas Eve and Day

According to The Weather Channel, weather conditions are likely to result in travel interruptions across the U.S. this Christmas Eve and Day.

In the Northeast, light snow is projected to continue into Christmas Eve, with accumulations typically under a couple of inches, affecting parts of the New York City Tri-state and southern New England. There’s also a possibility of sporadic light freezing rain or drizzle across the…
“`mid-Atlantic, comprising northern Virginia, southeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey, prior to temperatures rising above freezing during the day.

In the South, precipitation and thunderstorms will impact regions from eastern Texas to Missouri on Christmas Eve, with the rainfall extending across the lower Mississippi Valley and Ohio Valley on Christmas Day. Although severe storms are improbable, substantial rainfall and slick roads will be the main concern for travelers.

In the western regions, rain and mountainous snowfall are anticipated to affect California, Oregon, and Washington on Christmas Eve, with minor precipitation in Southern California. A more intense storm will usher in wind and rain to the Pacific Northwest and northwest California on Christmas afternoon and evening, with the possibility of localized flash flooding in these areas.

Possible airport weather interruptions are foreseen at major hubs including San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston on Christmas Eve, and in Seattle, Salt Lake City, Houston, and New Orleans on Christmas Day.

FAA lifts American Airlines ground halt as airline resumes boarding

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rescinded the nationwide ground stop for American Airlines and its affiliates, permitting activities to restart. The ground halt was enacted earlier due to a technical glitch impacting the airline’s systems.

American Airlines has verified that flights are currently boarding, and the disruption has concluded. Although the airline faced considerable delays, standard operations are now underway. Passengers are encouraged to verify their flight status for any remaining updates.