Meteorologists are warning of severe cold and heavy snow ahead of Christmas, threatening to disrupt travel plans across the U.S. A series of winter storms is expected to bring frigid temperatures and snow to the Northeast, Great Lakes, and parts of the Midwest. The timing couldn’t be worse, with over 107 million Americans expected to hit the road for the holidays.
AAA reports that nearly 8 million people will be flying, but many travelers will still face dangerous conditions. The Northeast and Great Lakes regions are bracing for up to 6 inches of snow in some areas, making driving treacherous. An atmospheric river will also strike the Pacific Northwest, unleashing heavy rain and mountain snow, likely causing hazardous travel.
As if that wasn’t enough, a storm system in the Great Lakes is expected to move east, potentially creating even worse conditions for the already heavily traveled Northeast. For those hoping for a white Christmas, the higher elevations of the West and areas near the Canadian border have the best chance. Still, with last year’s snow coverage being the lowest on record since 2003, a widespread white Christmas seems unlikely.
With so many millions on the move, staying informed about the weather and adjusting travel plans accordingly is more important than ever. The holiday season is shaping up to be a challenging one for travelers.
Sources:
https://www.newsweek.com/christmas-map-snow-holiday-travel-winter-storm-weather-forecast-2003647
https://www.newsweek.com/christmas-travel-map-weather-states-winter-snow-storm-2002205
https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2024-12-16-white-christmas-forecast-2024