Christmas holiday travel is officially underway, and while some days will cooperate, several rounds of rain, snow and wind could create travel headaches across parts of the U.S., especially in the East and West, according to a new report from The Weather Channel.
From potential flight delays at major airport hubs to slippery roads in wintry regions, here’s what travelers should know before hitting the highways or heading to the airport.
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Monday: Mostly Manageable, With a Few Trouble Spots
Overall, Monday looks like a fairly decent travel day across much of the country, though some regions will need to stay alert.
East:
Traffic is expected to be heavy on the East Coast in New York and Boston, and a system bringing snow and rain is going to move in Monday night into Tuesday.
West:
Bands of locally heavy rain may linger across Northern California, including the Bay Area, raising the risk of flash flooding and landslides. Rain and Cascades snow will continue in Washington and western Oregon, while valley rain and mountain snow are expected in the northern Rockies.
South:
A few light showers are possible in coastal Texas, Louisiana and the lower Mississippi Valley. These should mostly be a nuisance, though low clouds could impact some airport operations. A heavy increase in traffic is predicted for Atlanta.
Midwest:
Light snow, possibly mixed with sleet or freezing rain, could develop near the Great Lakes and spread east by evening, leading to slick travel in spots.
Potential flight delays: San Francisco, Seattle, Houston
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Tuesday: Weather Headaches Increase Before Christmas Eve
Tuesday is shaping up to be a key travel day with more widespread issues, particularly in the East and West.
East:
Light snow, sleet or freezing rain may affect parts of the Northeast, especially New England and interior areas from northern Pennsylvania to upstate New York. Some wintry mix could even reach the New York City Tri-State area early in the day. Elsewhere, rain showers and gusty winds may impact the mid-Atlantic and Ohio and Tennessee Valleys.
West:
A stronger storm is expected to move into California, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Northern California first, then spreading south Tuesday night. Rain and mountain snow may also reach parts of Washington, Oregon, northern Idaho and northwest Montana.
Potential flight delays: Boston, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles (late), Nashville
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Christmas Eve: West Coast Takes the Brunt
By Christmas Eve, the West faces the most significant travel disruptions, though there may be a quieter concern elsewhere.
West:
Heavy rain continues across California, including the Los Angeles Basin, San Diego and the Bay Area, with rain potentially pushing into the Desert Southwest, including Las Vegas and possibly Phoenix. Flash flooding is a concern, particularly near recent wildfire burn scars. Dangerous travel conditions are possible along Interstate 80 through the Sierra Nevadas.
Central/East:
Low clouds, fog and light showers may develop across parts of the Midwest as warmer, more humid air pushes north. This could lead to morning flight delays at major hubs.
Potential flight delays: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Seattle, Chicago, Kansas City, Cincinnati
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Christmas Day: Another Storm Keeps Things Unsettled
Christmas Day doesn’t bring much relief, especially out West.
West:
Another potent Pacific storm could bring more heavy rain, strong winds and significant mountain snow, extending impacts into the Northwest, Great Basin, Desert Southwest and Rockies.
Midwest & Northeast:
Forecast details are still evolving, but light rain is possible during the day across parts of the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley. By evening, colder air could support freezing rain, sleet or snow in upstate New York and northern New England. Windy conditions may also affect the Plains, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic.
Potential flight delays: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Chicago (wind), New York, Philadelphia
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Day After Christmas: Storms Continue to March East
Travel impacts may linger on Friday.
West:
The Christmas Day storm is expected to track east across the Intermountain West, keeping rain, wind and mountain snow in play, especially in the Sierra Nevadas, Cascades and Rockies.
Northeast:
Showers may continue across the Ohio Valley and southern Northeast, with a transition to snow possible across New England.
Northern Midwest/Great Lakes:
A fast-moving system could bring snow to parts of Minnesota and the Great Lakes.
Potential flight delays: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, New York, Philadelphia, Boston
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Saturday: Gradual Improvement, With Lingering Issues
The West finally begins to calm down by Saturday, though not everyone escapes cleanly.
West:
Rain and snow taper off after several unsettled days, though lingering issues may persist in parts of California and around Seattle.
Central/East:
Snow and winter weather may clip the northern tier, including the Great Lakes and New England, while rain extends south into the Ohio Valley and parts of the South.
Potential flight delays: Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, Philadelphia, Boston
Bottom line: If you’re traveling for Christmas, check forecasts frequently, allow extra time, and stay flexible with plans, as conditions could change quickly in the days ahead.
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