As millions of Americans hit the road for the holiday season, winter storms and rain could cause travel disruptions, especially in the eastern U.S. While no major storms are expected, rounds of rain and winter weather are likely to slow down travel, making this Christmas period one of the busiest yet. According to AAA, nearly 120 million people are expected to travel this year, setting a new record for the Christmas holiday.
Key Trouble Spots for Holiday Travel
Inclement weather is expected to affect areas across the West and southern Plains, with some of the coldest air of the season sweeping across the Northeast. However, much of the central and eastern U.S. will enjoy clearer weather for Christmas Day. While cities like Atlanta and Chicago might experience light rain, travel disruptions should be minimal. With quieter weather conditions on Wednesday, many travelers will have smoother journeys.
Snow in the Northeast for Christmas Eve
The Northeast saw several inches of snow over the weekend, which affected travel during one of the busiest travel times of the year. Snowflakes reached the Interstate 95 corridor, impacting cities from Philadelphia through New York and into Boston. In eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, about 3-6 inches of snow fell by Saturday morning. Boston’s Fenway Park recorded 6 inches of snow, while Logan Airport received 5.2 inches, the city's largest snow accumulation since the Blizzard of January 2022.
Another round of snow is expected to move through the region on Christmas Eve. A low-pressure system moving across the Great Lakes will bring light to moderate snow to parts of Wisconsin and Michigan on Monday night. The snow will then spread to the interior Northeast and New England, continuing into Tuesday morning. Winter weather advisories are in effect from Wisconsin to Maine, with warnings for freezing rain, sleet, and snow across parts of the mid-Atlantic. Cities like Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia are included in these alerts, with icy roads expected Tuesday morning.
By the second half of Christmas Eve, the wintry mix will taper off, so travelers should face fewer road issues later in the day.
Rain and Mountain Snow Impact West Coast
The West Coast will see a series of storms throughout this week, bringing rain and mountain snow. Though these storms are expected to be moderate, the extended period of windy conditions could cause travel disruptions even after Christmas. From San Francisco to Seattle, moderate to heavy rain could increase the risk of flash flooding, especially in Northern California and coastal Oregon, where up to 6 inches of rain could fall through Tuesday.
Travelers flying through Seattle’s Sea-Tac Airport and San Francisco Bay Area airports may experience delays. Snow levels will remain high, meaning significant snowfall is expected in the Cascade and Sierra Nevada Mountains, as well as the northern Rockies, where feet of snow are likely. Another round of heavier rain and mountain snow is expected on Christmas Day, which could cause problems for travelers heading to holiday gatherings.
Thunderstorms in the South
A developing storm system will tap into moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms from Texas to southern Missouri. These thunderstorms could continue through Christmas Eve, with rain totals of up to 2-3 inches expected in the Ark-La-Tex region. While most of the rain is beneficial due to ongoing drought conditions, some thunderstorms may turn severe, with gusty winds, lightning, and heavy rainfall posing the greatest threats. Flash flooding could occur in isolated areas due to rainfall rates exceeding an inch per hour.
Unseasonably Warm Weather Ahead
Looking beyond Christmas, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center predicts that nearly all of the U.S. will experience above-average temperatures, with some areas seeing highs 10-20 degrees above average. This warmth could extend into early 2025, impacting over 200 million people across the country.