Severe winter weather featuring rain and snow may disrupt holiday journeys for countless travelers amid unprecedented Christmas travel numbers.
As the holiday season approaches, a significant number of Americans are hitting the road for Christmas, but adverse weather conditions could pose challenges to their celebrations.
Although significant storms are not anticipated, periods of rain and winter conditions are likely to hinder holiday travel, particularly in the eastern United States. This year is set to witness an unprecedented surge in travel, with nearly 120 million individuals anticipated to hit the roads and skies during the festive season, as reported by AAA.
Affected Areas
Expect harsh weather conditions in the western regions and the southern Plains, as a wave of frigid air makes its way through the Northeast for a short period.
Many areas in the central and eastern United States are expected to enjoy a more pleasant weather outlook for Christmas Day.
Although there may be a chance of light rain in cities like Atlanta and Chicago, last-minute travel is unlikely to face significant disruptions.
Expect calmer conditions to contribute to a more pleasant travel experience on Wednesday.
Snowfall Predictions for Northeast
A significant snowfall blanketed parts of the Northeast over the weekend, with flakes making their way along the Interstate 95 corridor from Philadelphia to New York and up to Boston.
This led to treacherous travel conditions during what was anticipated to be one of the peak travel times of the year.
By Saturday morning, eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and eastern Connecticut experienced snowfall accumulation ranging from 3 to 6 inches.
Fenway Park, known for its rich history, recorded a notable 6 inches of snow on the iconic field of the Boston Red Sox, whereas Logan Airport in the city saw 5.2 inches accumulate.
A new system bringing snow is set to traverse the same regions as it approaches Christmas Eve. A low-pressure system traversing the Great Lakes into Monday night is bringing light to moderate snowfall to Wisconsin and Michigan.
Overnight, snow will move into the interior Northeast and parts of New England, persisting through Tuesday morning.
Advisories for winter weather are in effect from Wisconsin to Maine, including areas of the mid-Atlantic stretching from West Virginia to New Jersey.
Winter weather alerts are in effect for cities like Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, as the potential for freezing rain, sleet, and light snow poses a risk for icy roads on Tuesday morning.
On Christmas Eve, the snow and wintry mix will swiftly diminish from west to east, ensuring that those traveling in the latter part of the day will likely face minimal road challenges.
A significant wave of rain and mountain snow is set to hit on Christmas Day, likely leading to travel difficulties for those attending holiday celebrations.
