Severe Weather Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel Across U.S.

Severe weather conditions are wreaking havoc on Thanksgiving travel across the United States, impacting thousands of travelers. According to NBC News, the record Thanksgiving travel rush is underway, with significant disruptions reported at major airports. For instance, in Atlanta, flights were severely delayed due to a tornado warning near the airport, prompting air traffic controllers to evacuate the control tower temporarily. NBC's Tom Costello reported that this situation has resulted in a slow crawl of flights as travelers scramble to reach their destinations amidst severe storms.

Travelers are facing a daunting journey this week, with Thanksgiving Day being one of the busiest travel days. NBC Chicago noted that the combination of severe weather and high travel volume has resulted in significant challenges for those attempting to fly or drive. The Auto Club of Southern California reported that 90% of travelers nationwide are expected to travel by car, translating to approximately 73 million Americans on the roads.

The peak travel day is anticipated to be Wednesday, November 26, with heavy congestion expected along major routes such as northbound Interstate 15 between San Diego and Palm Springs. Departing at peak times could result in delays of nearly five hours on this route. According to NBC 7 San Diego, the San Diego International Airport is also bracing for a record number of travelers, with daily passenger volumes expected to reach as high as 80,000 during the holiday period.

The AAA has provided guidelines for the best and worst times to travel, indicating that the worst travel times will occur during the afternoon and evening on key days leading up to Thanksgiving. Moreover, they emphasized the importance of planning ahead and driving safely, especially given the increase in drunk-driving incidents during the holiday season. In fact, between 2019 and 2023, there were 868 fatalities linked to drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving, accounting for 35% of holiday traffic deaths.

Travelers are advised to be cautious and allow extra time for their journeys, as the weather is not expected to cooperate. The storms, combined with high travel volumes, could lead to further delays and frustrations for those trying to reach family and friends during this important holiday. Overall, the atmosphere is tense as families across the country aim to reunite despite the severe weather challenges presented this Thanksgiving.