Millions of Americans are currently gearing up for their Christmas travels, but inclement weather and the looming possibility of a government shutdown may disrupt their holiday plans.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), it is projected that over 119 million people will be hitting the road and traveling at least 50 miles from home between Saturday, December 21, and the New Year, making this holiday travel season one of the busiest on record.
Weather forecasts for the holiday period indicate potential inconvenience for travelers across the United States. While major winter storms are not expected in the days leading up to Christmas, several smaller storms may still cause trouble for shoppers and travelers, especially in the eastern regions of the country.
Additionally, as reported by CNN, with Congress currently deadlocked over government spending legislation, a partial government shutdown could occur if a resolution is not passed by midnight on Friday. This could result in airport security personnel and air traffic controllers working tirelessly without pay, similar to the situation during the 2019 government shutdown when LaGuardia Airport in New York temporarily closed and flights in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Atlanta were delayed after ten air traffic controllers chose to stay home.
However, the primary concern currently affecting holiday travel for Americans is the weather conditions. A storm that swept through the northern Plains and Upper Midwest earlier this week is now moving towards the Northeast on Friday, potentially bringing several inches of snow to inland areas and a wintry mix to major metropolitan areas in the Northeast. The impacts of this weather are expected to last through Saturday.
On Friday morning, icy weather led to a ground stop at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, resulting in a 45-minute halt in all inbound and outbound flights at this busy travel hub.
Prior to this, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport had issued ground stops twice on Thursday due to icy weather conditions.
The northern Rockies and High Plains have also experienced strong winds, posing a severe threat to drivers in Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, and Iowa, as the gusts are strong enough to overturn trucks and cause property damage.
In the Northeast, New York City is anticipating temperatures dropping below zero on Sunday, with lows in the teens Fahrenheit.
In the Great Lakes and Midwest regions, a weak storm system is expected to bring light snow and flurries to Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan (including Chicago) on Saturday. While snow accumulation is forecasted to be minimal, it could result in slippery roads and minor travel delays.
Starting this weekend, the West Coast will be hit by multiple storms and atmospheric rivers. Washington, Oregon, and California are all set to experience rainfall, heavy snowfall, and strong winds.