Sky bound Delays: Holiday Travel Takes a Hit with Thousands of Flights Facing Delays

In the following days, a storm system is forecast to deliver rain, snow, and ice to areas of the Northeast, as well as heavy rain and thunderstorms to the South.

The weather is slowing things down as the hectic Thanksgiving travel period begins.

More than 2,000 flights within, into, and out of the United States were delayed Tuesday, with almost 30 canceled, as a storm system bringing rain and strong winds threatens holiday travel across the South and Northeast.

The storm system is predicted to travel from the Midwest into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast areas by lunchtime, causing traffic and aviation disruptions. While much of the East Coast will get rain, sections of the interior Northeast and northern New England may see snow and ice.

Heavy rain and strong thunderstorms will travel across sections of the Southeast on the storm system’s southern edge. The major cities at risk are Montgomery and Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida; destructive winds will be the main threat Tuesday. A tornado in the vicinity cannot be ruled out.

According to FlightAware.com, as of Tuesday afternoon, 2,072 flights had been delayed and 29 had been canceled. Los Angeles International Airport was responsible for more than 70 of the delays.

Chicago O’Hare, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, and Charlotte Douglas in North Carolina, as well as airports in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City, were all impacted by Tuesday’s gusting winds and rain.

The majority of the massive storm system will pass the East Coast by midday on Wednesday, with some lingering showers and gusty gusts expected along the Interstate 95 corridor in the morning.

Heavy snow and wind will continue in Maine until nightfall, when all precipitation will cease. Snowfall of two to six inches is expected in sections of New England, with isolated totals of up to eight inches possible at higher altitudes in New Hampshire and Maine.

While the two days preceding the holiday may be difficult due to weather, Thanksgiving Day itself appears to be reasonably calm over most of the United States. The lone exception is the possibility of snow accumulation in regions of the Northern Rocky Mountains, including Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.

That’s excellent news for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, where the weather will be largely bright and in the mid-40s. Winds are expected to be light, at 15 mph, considerably below the parade’s wind threshold, allowing the balloons to fly freely.

The Northeast will be sunny, with temperatures in the upper 50s, while the Southeast will be cloudy and sunny, with temperatures in the 70s and above.

The Midwest is expecting sunny skies, a chilly wind, and highs in the 40s. With temperatures in the 60s, the Southern Plains will see a mix of sun and clouds.

Temperatures on the West Coast will be in the 60s in California and the 40s and 50s in the Pacific Northwest.

Thanksgiving Travel Turbulence: Cross-Country Storm Threatens Disruptions; Stay Informed with Live Updates on Tuesday’s Forecast

A storm will pass across the central and eastern United States just in time to interrupt Thanksgiving travel plans for Americans.

More than 49 million Americans are anticipated to drive to their Thanksgiving destinations on Wednesday, making it the largest road travel day for US holiday travelers.

Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and snow are forecast to travel from the central United States through the Midwest and into the northeast just in time for the holiday.

On Tuesday, the storm system will impact the Midwest, Ohio, and Tennessee Valleys before moving northeast for the rest of the week.

Weather-related flight delays impacted Thanksgiving travelers traveling out of Washington, DC, and Baltimore on Tuesday.

This afternoon, 40 aircraft have been delayed between Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Dulles International Airport.

The continuous winter storm traveling east toward the United States’ east coast and northeast is presently passing directly over Washington, DC, and Baltimore.

The I-10 highway in Los Angeles reopened on Monday after being shuttered for repairs. A suspected arsonist set fire to the highway, closing down sections of it.

The roadway was reopened just in time for Thanksgiving travelers.

Even with the I-10 reopening, it’s still Los Angeles.

On Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg released a video advising air travelers of their rights—and what compensation they may expect—if their flights are cancelled or delayed this holiday season.

“This year, we have seen some of the busiest air travel days in US history. And so far this year, our aviation system has been handling the increased volume well. In fact, cancellations are lower than they were before the pandemic, and we’re pushing hard to keep it that way.”

“If your flight does get delayed or cancelled, know that the Department of Transportation has your back. For example, we have obtained enforceable commitments from the ten largest airlines to cover expenses for things like rebooking, meals, and more when you face delays or cancellations that are the airline’s responsibility. You should also know you are entitled to a full cash refund if your flight is cancelled for any reason.”

Mr. Buttigieg stated that the DOT’s policies had helped restore more than $2.5 billion to passengers whose flights were canceled. He advised flight travelers to examine their rights as travelers at FlightRights.gov before departing for their vacation locations.