This weekend, travelers across the United States are bracing for major disruptions as severe weather sweeps across the country. Intense storms, flooding, and hazardous conditions are making roads and skies treacherous just as holiday travel reaches its peak. With millions on the move, the combination of bad weather and heavy traffic is causing widespread delays and frustration.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for a range of severe weather threats, including heavy rain, tornadoes, ice, and snow, all of which are expected to upend travel plans. The storms began Thursday in Texas and Louisiana with destructive tornadoes and are now spreading to the Southeast and Pacific Northwest, where disruptions are likely to persist through the weekend.
The latest storm system is set to impact areas from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast, bringing flooding rain, hail, and the possibility of more tornadoes in the Southeast. States like Texas, northern Florida, and the Carolinas are already experiencing heavy rain and strong storms, with more expected. Still recovering from Thursday’s chaos, the Southeast faces another wave of dangerous weather, threatening to derail travel plans for countless people.
Flights Already Canceled, Thousands of Delays Expected
The impact of these storms on air travel has already been significant. On Thursday, over 800 flights were canceled, with a majority of those cancellations occurring at airports in eastern Texas. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the U.S., was heavily affected, with flights temporarily grounded due to the weather and airport congestion. According to FlightAware, 126 flights were canceled by Friday evening, with more than 5,700 flights delayed across the nation.
Travelers flying out of Texas and the Southeast should expect ongoing delays as the storm system continues to affect major travel hubs such as Atlanta, Charleston, and Richmond. The weather service has warned that the worst of the storm’s impact on travel will likely extend through Sunday as the system moves up the East Coast.
AccuWeather has reported that the heavy rainfall could cause visibility issues at major airports, especially in cities like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City. While these areas may avoid the most severe weather, the heavy downpours and gusty winds are still expected to create challenging travel conditions, with disruptions to flight schedules and delays at security checkpoints.
Severe Weather Threatens the East Coast and the Gulf States
The storm system is not only affecting air travel but also posing a serious risk to those traveling by car. On Friday through Sunday, the rain and thunderstorms will expand across the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys, reaching the Great Lakes and Northeast. Some areas may see up to 8 inches of rainfall, which could lead to localized flooding and hazardous driving conditions.
Major cities along the East Coast, including Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Charleston, could see severe thunderstorms on Sunday, with the potential for damaging winds and flooding. The weather service is urging travelers in these areas to monitor their travel plans and consider delaying trips if possible.
Despite the severe weather, the storm will also bring a temporary respite from the usual cold temperatures that define the winter holiday season. AccuWeather meteorologists are forecasting abnormally warm temperatures across much of the U.S., with highs reaching 15 to 25 degrees above average in many areas. However, the warmth comes with its risks. Forecasters warn that the combination of rain, cold air, and the risk of ice could create dangerous conditions, particularly in the Northeast, where patchy ice and a glaze of ice could form overnight, making travel risky from Friday night into Saturday morning.
West Coast and Pacific Northwest Bracing for More Heavy Rain and Snow
While the East Coast and Southeast are grappling with tornadoes and severe storms, the Pacific Northwest is facing its own set of challenges. The storm system moving inland from the West Coast is expected to bring up to 5 inches of rain in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. At higher elevations, snow totals could reach up to 3 feet, and strong winds up to 45 mph are likely to exacerbate travel difficulties.
The storm is pushing inland, and the Rockies are expected to experience blizzard-like conditions, with snow and high winds creating near-zero visibility. For those heading to or through mountainous areas, the weather service has issued winter storm warnings and advisories, urging travelers to reconsider travel plans or delay their journeys until conditions improve. River flooding, mudslides, and rockslides are also a concern in some areas, which could further complicate travel across the region.
As travelers face more than just bad weather this weekend, authorities are warning that travel could become “impossible” in the Pacific Northwest, where roads will be treacherous and difficult to navigate due to snow and ice accumulation. The NWS has advised residents to prepare for difficult conditions and limit unnecessary travel in affected areas.
Advice for Travelers This Weekend
For those planning to travel this weekend, it’s important to stay updated on the latest weather reports and flight status updates. With nearly 8 million people expected to fly this holiday season, any disruption to the nation’s travel infrastructure can cause cascading delays. The NWS recommends that all travelers monitor local forecasts and adjust their plans accordingly, particularly if they are flying or driving through affected regions.
If you’re traveling by car, make sure your vehicle is equipped for winter conditions, especially if you’re heading to the Northeast or the Rockies. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, water, and non-perishable food.
For air travelers, consider checking in early and allowing extra time to navigate crowded terminals. In addition to potential delays and cancellations due to weather, airports may be congested as millions of people try to get home for the holidays. Always verify your flight status with your airline and check if any changes to your itinerary have been made.
As this weekend’s severe weather system continues to wreak havoc on holiday travel plans, travelers’ safety and preparedness will be key to navigating what is expected to be a turbulent travel period. Whether you’re driving or flying, making sure you’re prepared for the worst can help you avoid unnecessary stress and ensure that your holiday travels stay as smooth as possible.
