Thanksgiving Travel Chaos: Storm Brings Rain, Snow, and Flight Delays
As millions of Americans take to the skies and roads for the Thanksgiving holiday, a storm is brewing, bringing rain, snow, and flight delays to many parts of the country.
The storm, which dropped snow over the Rockies on Wednesday, is forecast to race east throughout the day, bringing rain and the possibility of ice and snow to the Midwest and Northeast. The National Weather Service has issued a series of weather advisories, warning of heavy rain and snowfall, with totals reaching up to 6 inches in some areas.
The storm is expected to impact air travel, with over 4,000 delays and 45 cancellations reported by FlightAware as of Wednesday night. American Airlines, one of the busiest carriers, is expecting to operate over 6,400 flights on Wednesday, with nearly 650,000 customers traveling.
Road travelers are also facing challenges, with several major highways, including I-80, I-64, and I-75, impacted by rain and snow. The I-95 corridor, which runs from Florida to Maine, is expected to see heavy rain on Thanksgiving Day, with temperatures in the 40s.
The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is expected to go on rain or shine, with winds forecast to be less than 10 mph, allowing balloons to fly.
However, the storm is not expected to clear until Friday morning, with cold winds and lake effect snow expected to continue through Sunday. Travelers are advised to check flight and road conditions before heading out, and to plan for delays.
In addition to the weather, authorities are warning travelers to be cautious when leaving their cars in airport parking lots, as vehicle thefts have been on the rise. Over 300 cars were stolen from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport this year, with police adding cameras, motorcycle patrols, and new fencing to curb crime.
As the holiday weekend comes to a close, travelers can expect cold temperatures to continue across much of the country, with temperatures forecast to be 10 to 20 degrees below average in some areas.
