Thanksgiving Travel Hits Major Snags as Storm Sweeps Across the U.S.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, but this year’s holiday travel has hit some serious turbulence thanks to a massive storm moving from the Rockies all the way to the Northeast. As millions of people pack highways and airports to get to their destinations, rain, snow, and icy conditions are causing delays and cancellations, leaving travelers frustrated and scrambling.

A Record-Breaking Travel Rush

The Thanksgiving holiday always means crowded roads and packed airports, but 2024 has broken records. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expected to screen nearly 3 million travelers on Wednesday alone, making it one of the busiest days in years. Meanwhile, a whopping 71.7 million people were expected to hit the roads, surpassing last year’s numbers by more than a million.

Unfortunately for many of these travelers, the weather decided not to cooperate. A powerful storm system started its journey in the Rockies early Wednesday, bringing snow and freezing temperatures. By the afternoon, it had slowed down but was already causing widespread travel issues. The storm is now barreling toward the Midwest and Northeast, with its impacts expected to last through Thanksgiving Day.

A Messy Forecast

The storm’s path paints a grim picture for those still on the move. Heavy rain is expected to drench areas from St. Louis to Indianapolis and Pittsburgh by Wednesday evening. Some areas may also experience ice and snow, making already tricky conditions even more dangerous.

As the storm moves further east, it’s set to bring cold, steady rain to the I-95 corridor, which includes major cities like Richmond, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. The rain is expected to intensify in the early hours of Thanksgiving morning, adding to the chaos for last-minute travelers.

Flight Delays and Cancellations Pile Up

For those traveling by air, the storm has created a ripple effect of delays and cancellations across the country. By Wednesday night, nearly 4,000 flights had been delayed, and 45 had been canceled altogether, according to FlightAware, a flight-tracking website.

Denver International Airport has been one of the hardest-hit hubs, with over 600 flight delays by Wednesday. Snow and icy conditions forced crews to deice planes before they could take off, slowing down operations significantly.

Other major airports, including Salt Lake City, Boston, Dallas, and Las Vegas, also saw triple-digit delays. Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey faced an additional challenge: a shortage of air traffic controllers. A ground delay was issued at Newark from 1 p.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday, resulting in over 300 delays, with some flights delayed by at least 95 minutes.

Even with the chaos, airlines like American Airlines worked tirelessly to keep things running. On Tuesday alone, the airline operated nearly 6,400 flights and expected to carry more than 650,000 passengers on Wednesday. This impressive effort means almost 4.5 flights were departing every minute throughout the day.

Road Warriors Face Challenges Too

While airports were swamped, the situation wasn’t much better for those traveling by car. The storm made its way across the Midwest on Wednesday, creating slick and hazardous conditions on major highways. With rain and ice expected to spread into the Northeast, drivers on the I-95 corridor face a slow and wet journey, especially during the early hours of Thanksgiving morning.

Despite the challenges, many travelers remained determined to make it to their loved ones in time for Thanksgiving dinner. However, officials have urged everyone to stay cautious and prepared. Drivers should plan for extra travel time, ensure their vehicles are ready for winter conditions, and stay updated on weather reports.

A Thanksgiving to Remember

This year’s Thanksgiving travel season is shaping up to be one for the history books, thanks to a combination of record-breaking traveler numbers and a relentless storm system. While the weather has caused significant headaches, it’s also a reminder of the importance of patience and preparation during the holiday season.

For those still trying to reach their destinations, the storm is expected to clear up in the Northeast by late Thursday, offering some relief. Until then, whether you’re stuck at an airport or braving the roads, staying flexible and keeping a sense of humor might just make this holiday a little easier to navigate.