The busiest holiday travel week of the year is upon us, and with nearly 80 million Americans preparing to hit the roads and skies, this year’s Thanksgiving travel weather is throwing a wrench into plans.
A wet and snowy Thanksgiving forecast threatens to disrupt travel from the West Coast to the Northeast, with heavy rain, snowstorms, and potential flooding creating hazardous conditions.
Whether driving to Grandma’s or flying across the country, preparing for this year’s holiday travel weather update is essential. Here’s everything you need to know about the Thanksgiving travel advisory, with tips to help you navigate the elements and arrive safely.
What’s in the Weather Forecast for Thanksgiving Travel?
According to Travel + Leisure, widespread storms are expected to challenge travelers throughout the week. Starting Monday (November 25), a “long-duration atmospheric river” will bring up to 5 inches of rain and at least 3 inches of snow to Northern California and Oregon.
Meanwhile, the Rocky Mountains and parts of the central Plains, including Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska, are bracing for heavy snowfall.
Areas in Texas and Oklahoma face flood watches due to torrential rain and thunderstorms.
Later in the week, travelers in the Northeast may encounter disruptions as an upper-level low-pressure system develops above the Great Lakes region, bringing rain and snow to key travel hubs.
AAA travel news notes this year’s extended travel period will see record-breaking numbers, meaning the impacts of the Thanksgiving travel weather could ripple across the country.
“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel.
Thanksgiving Travel Tips to Handle the Wet and Snowy Weather
As the wet and snowy Thanksgiving forecast looms, travelers should prepare for delays and safety risks. Whether traveling by car or plane, these Thanksgiving travel tips can help you stay ahead of the storm:
For Drivers
- Winterize Your Vehicle: Check tire treads, brakes, and fluids to ensure your car is ready for winter conditions. If you are heading to snowy regions, consider snow tires or chains.
- Pack Emergency Supplies: In case of delays or breakdowns, keep a flashlight, blankets, food, water, and a first-aid kit in your vehicle.
- Use Traffic Apps: Monitor traffic and weather updates through apps like Waze to avoid congestion and unsafe areas.
For Flyers
- Stay Updated: Use airline apps and flight trackers like FlightAware to monitor delays or cancellations. As of now major carriers have not yet issued advisories for Thanksgiving week, but that could change quickly.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with airline rebooking and refund policies if your flight is canceled.
- Consider Travel Insurance: Protect your trip with travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions.
A Record-Breaking Travel Season Despite the Storms
Despite the Thanksgiving travel weather, nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel this year, setting a new record, per AAA travel news. Of those, 71.7 million will drive, and 5.84 million will fly, with international bookings up by 23% compared to last year.
“Drivers should follow traffic apps and local news alerts to avoid major delays,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. He emphasized that congestion will be “more than double what it typically is on a normal day” in major metro areas like Boston, New York, and Los Angeles.
If you’re hitting the road, AAA advises avoiding travel during peak hours, like Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, and instead suggests traveling early Thanksgiving morning when roads are typically clearer.
This year’s holiday travel weather update serves as a reminder to stay flexible, plan ahead, and keep safety a priority. With a little preparation, you can navigate the wet and snowy Thanksgiving forecast and still make it to your destination.
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