Thanksgiving travel chaos begins with pics of crowded airports as 55m Americans’ plans threatened by looming ‘snow bomb’
THANKSGIVING week has begun as more than 55 million Americans are expected to travel despite looming storms.
Millions are bracing for a massive winter weather system that has threatened to upend Thanksgiving travel plans both by car and air.
Thanksgiving travel has begun as airports prepare for an increase in foot traffic Credit: AP:Associated Press More than 55 million Americans are expected to travel this week Credit: AP:Associated Press Airports have been preparing for the increase in travelers all year Credit: AP:Associated PressMore than 55 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during the Thanksgiving travel period, defined as November 22-26 by AAA.
About 49 million are expected to drive, while nearly 5 million will fly , according to AAA . Both figures are up more than 1% from 2022.
The number of people traveling by cruise ship, bus, and train this week is up more than 10% compared to last year, AAA reported.
“For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022,” Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, said.
“Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones.”
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday are expected to be the busiest days for air travel.
Many airports, including Baltimore / Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, have been planning for this week's predicted uptick in foot traffic for months.
"Thanksgiving is what we consider our Super Bowl . It is, by far, the busiest travel period of the year," Maryland Aviation Administration official Ricky Smith said at a press conference held on Monday, per local NBC affiliate WBALTV .
"Travelers are reminded to give themselves plenty of time for parking, airline ticketing and the TSA security checkpoint process."
WEATHER THREATHowever, a major weather system has threatened to wreak havoc on Thanksgiving travel plans.
In the midwest, heavy snow and severe thunderstorms are possible on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, downstate, New Yorkers can expect to see what's known as a 'snow bomb' - when strong gusts of wind accompany the snowfall.
The blast is expected to hit all five New York City boroughs, as well as Long Island, on Wednesday going into Thursday.
Rain, wind, and possible flooding are headed toward the northeast and will affect parts of New York, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
Power outages could be caused by the winds, according to Accuweather .
The storm could cause disruptions on roadways and at major airports - including in New York, Washington, Chicago, and Atlanta - where wind gusts of potentially 30 miles per hour, more than an inch of rain in 24 hours, and severe thunderstorms are expected.
Disruptions are also expected in Charlotte, Pittsburgh, and Detroit, all of which are major connection hubs for air travelers.
Governor Kathy Hochul warned that the weather system will have "major impacts on holiday travel" in New York.
"We're heading into the busiest travel season of the year and, of course, Mother Nature is preparing to slam us with a massive snowstorm right here in New York," she said.
"The most vulnerable areas, of course, are Buffalo and Watertown, and I wanted everyone to know that we're taking this very seriously."
In anticipation of the storm, Hochul has directed every state agency, including the Department of Transportation and the National Guard, to prepare for the "worst-case scenario."
The governor also sent a message out to New Yorkers: avoid Wednesday travel.
"Do not make next Wednesday your main day to travel, or else you'll get stuck," she said.
"You will be either stuck at home, not able to travel, or worst case that you can be stuck on one of those roads or the New York State through ways."
About 5 million people are expected to fly this week Credit: AP:Associated Press Travelers might also experience delays due to severe weather Credit: AP:Associated Press
