Winter Whirlwind: Post-Holiday Travel Chaos Sparks by Severe Storms and Snow in the Northwest

What’s New

Alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) were released across the United States on Thursday morning as countless Americans readied to return home after the Christmas festivities.

Why It Matters

A projection from the American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasted that over 119 million Americans would have a minimum of 50 miles to travel for the year-end celebrations. Almost 8 million Americans are anticipated to fly.

The holiday travel period extending to the end of the year lasts until January 1, and adverse weather conditions nationwide were complicating air and road travel on the day following Christmas.

What to Know

As of Thursday at noon Eastern time, over 2,600 domestic flights had experienced delays. Nearly 470 have been canceled, as per data from FlightAware. A minimum of two airports were engaged in deicing their aircraft, as indicated by the National Airspace System Status website from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Regarding road conditions, thick fog, winter storms, and flash flooding were complicating vehicle movement across the nation.

In the Pacific Northwest, an atmospheric river was delivering significant snow and rain to California, Oregon, and Washington. The storm commenced on Wednesday night and continued to produce precipitation on Thursday. The effects of the storm were also reaching into inland states, such as Utah, Nevada, and Idaho.

Visibility was poor due to dense fog, making driving challenging in the central part of the U.S., while heavy rainfall and severe storms were generating a flash flood threat in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in Texas.

The AAA report suggests that the optimal time to travel the day after Christmas was prior to 11 a.m. With that period now gone, the subsequent best timeframe for travelers to head home will be on Friday, December 27, before 2 p.m. The least favorable time to travel on Thursday will occur from noon to 5 p.m. On Friday, the worst travel period will be between 3 and 7 p.m.

What People Are Saying

NWS Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Rich Otto expressed to Newsweek: Otto stated that severe weather conditions might deliver up to 12 inches of rain to northern California by the weekend’s conclusion.

NWS Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Brian Hurley informed Newsweek: Hurley noted that beginning Monday, December 30, California, Oregon, and Washington would enjoy a weeklong break from atmospheric rivers.

NWS Fort Worth, Texas, in a flash flood warning released on Thursday morning: “Turn around, don’t drown when meeting flooded roads. Most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles. Be observant of your environment and refrain from driving on flooded streets.”

NWS Grand Rapids, Michigan, in a dense fog advisory effective until midnight: “Limited visibility may render driving conditions hazardous. If you’re driving, reduce your speed, utilize your headlights, and maintain ample distance in front of you.”

What Happens Next

Foggy conditions are expected to dissipate in most states by the afternoon, although some dense fog advisories will persist throughout the day. Stormy conditions in the Pacific Northwest should improve by the end of the weekend. Busy travel patterns are anticipated until January 1.