As the holiday season reaches its peak, nearly 120 million Americans are set to travel for Christmas and Hanukkah, with air and road conditions likely to complicate their journeys. According to AAA, winter weather disruptions are expected, creating significant challenges for travelers.
Forecasters predict the 2025 winter holiday period may mark the culmination of a tumultuous travel year, with notable delays reminiscent of earlier busy periods like the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.
Heavy rain and snow have already impacted the Pacific Northwest, and the Great Lakes region is grappling with a sharp temperature drop. San Diego has experienced flight delays due to dense fog, while Boston has seen significant disruptions caused by snow and ice.
On Christmas Eve, snow accumulation of one to three inches could affect several areas, particularly in Washington, Oregon, Northern California, the Midwest, and parts of Northern New England, potentially giving many a white Christmas, according to the National Weather Service.
The adverse conditions are expected to delay travel across all modes of transportation, with airport congestion being a particular concern. TSA Administrator David Pekoske noted that over 600 new officers have been deployed to handle the increased volume, but passengers should still anticipate longer wait times at security checkpoints.
On Sunday and Monday alone, nearly 100,000 flights were scheduled, according to the FAA. Meanwhile, airline tracking service FlightAware reported over 23,000 flight delays since Friday, with the number expected to rise as the stormy conditions continue.
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