United States: Holiday travel chaos unfolded across the U.S. on December 28 as severe weather wreaked havoc in multiple regions. Deadly tornadoes struck the southeastern states, while heavy snow and high winds battered the west coast, leading to massive flight disruptions and tragic loss of life.

Travel Disruptions Nationwide

Over 7,000 flights were delayed and more than 200 canceled on Saturday due to extreme weather conditions, according to FlightAware. Major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth International, and George Bush Intercontinental in Houston were heavily impacted.

At Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, nearly one-third of flights faced delays, while nearly half of flights at Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston airports were disrupted. Passengers endured widespread delays as the weather disturbances caused cascading effects on travel schedules nationwide.

Tornadoes Devastate Southeastern States
The southeastern U.S. experienced a surge of deadly tornadoes, particularly in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. At least 10 tornadoes were reported, causing extensive destruction and claiming one life near Houston, Texas.

In Brazoria County, about 45 miles south of Houston, a tornado killed one person and injured four others. Authorities anticipate the casualty count may rise as recovery efforts continue. Entire neighborhoods, including homes and schools, were left in ruins, with trees uprooted, power lines snapped, and debris scattered across streets.

West Coast Battled Fierce Winds and Rain

The west coast also bore the brunt of the storm, with California and Oregon experiencing relentless heavy rain and strong winds. In the Tahoe Basin, gusts reached up to 150 mph at higher elevations, while lower areas faced winds of 50 mph.

Forecasts predict significant rainfall, with 4–6 inches expected from San Francisco to Portland. Lake Tahoe may receive up to 3 feet of snow by New Year’s Eve. The National Weather Service cautioned that the winds could uproot trees, topple power lines, and cause widespread outages.

Safety Tips for Travelers

As extreme weather continues to disrupt holiday plans, travelers are advised to take the following precautions:

• Check Flight Updates: Regularly monitor flight statuses to avoid last-minute surprises.
• Plan Flexibly: Anticipate delays and prepare for potential changes to schedules.
• Stay Weather-Aware: Pay close attention to local weather advisories, especially in areas prone to tornadoes and heavy snow.

With storms expected to persist in various parts of the U.S., preparedness is essential for minimizing risks and ensuring safety during this challenging travel period.

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