Busy Travel Weekend: Storm to Impact Major Areas in the United States

Weather forecast shows that multiple storms will continue to hit the northwestern and southern regions of the United States this weekend, with the East Coast facing the risk of severe storm attacks. This is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and the severe weather will exacerbate flight delays and transportation disruptions.

According to data from the American Automobile Association, during the period from December 21 to the New Year, it is expected that over 119 million people will travel at least 50 miles away from home. This is expected to be the busiest end-of-year holiday travel season on record, surpassing the previous record set during the 2019 holiday season.

The Denver Weather Service Office issued a warning about the risk of severe storms, stating, “It is highly recommended to change travel plans during the storm. Travel is expected to become very difficult, if not impossible.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) stated on Friday (December 27) that by the end of the weekend, rainfall in the Cascades of Washington and Oregon, as well as coastal and northern mountain areas of northwest California, could reach 3 to 5 inches, with snowfall in the highest elevations possibly reaching 1 to 3 feet.

As the storms move inland, they will bring snow to the Rockies and gusts of up to 45 miles per hour. Most areas from California to Wyoming, Idaho, and northwest Utah are under winter storm warnings and other advisories, urging people to limit their travel. The wet weather pattern may also lead to river flooding and mudslides.

Friday is one of the busiest travel days of the season. The Storm Prediction Center warned that parts of the central Gulf Coast may experience severe thunderstorms, with potential hazards including hail, damaging gusts, and tornadoes, in certain areas in Louisiana, the narrow strip of Florida, central Mississippi, and Alabama.

On Saturday, the threat level for severe weather from northern central Louisiana to western central Alabama is expected to increase, potentially leading to flight diversions due to these storms and causing commuters to wait out the powerful storms on roadways.

Meteorologist Evan Bentley from the National Weather Service said, “We are increasingly concerned about the numerous storms bringing threats of severe weather on Saturday.”

“As this is an active time for holiday travel throughout the year, we want to ensure that anyone on the road is aware of these weather threats,” Bentley said.

According to information from the flight tracking website FlightAware.com, as of Friday’s deadline, 88 flights entering and leaving the U.S. have been canceled, with a total of 2,705 delayed flights. Nearly 800 flights entering and leaving the U.S. were canceled on Thursday (December 26).

The Wharton County Sheriff’s Office in Texas reported that the county appeared to have been hit by three tornadoes on Thursday, causing damage to multiple buildings near El Campo.

Prior to the severe storm threat on Thursday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated state emergency response resources.

In a press release on Thursday, he stated, “As Texans and out-of-state visitors begin to travel after the Christmas holiday, it is crucial for everyone to monitor road conditions, develop emergency plans, and heed guidance from state and local officials.”

After a series of thunderstorms began sweeping through parts of Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport experienced over 100 delayed flights and dozens of cancellations.