The weather can complicate travel for millions

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest times for travel across the United States, as people take to the roads, rails and skies to visit friends and family for the late November holiday. This year, weather across the country could complicate some travel plans, AccuWeather meteorologists warn.

Almost 80 million people is expected to depart by Thanksgiving in 2024, which would be a new record according to AAA. “Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel,” the company said in a press release. “AAA continues to see travel demand increase post-pandemic, and our members are looking for new adventures and memorable vacations.

The last week of November could be turbulent across the United States as several storms track coast to coast, delivering rain, wind and even a bit of snow to some major cities and well-traveled midlands.

Travel woes could start brewing the weekend before Thanksgiving as rain and mountain snow climb West coastand a slow-moving storm rolls over Northeast. Both storms could cause delays and cancellations at airports, so travelers are encouraged to check their flight status before leaving home.

Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be the busiest days on the road, and disruptive weather may occur both days leading up to Thanksgiving.

A storm over the eastern half of the country is expected to spread rain and snow showers over the Great Lakes, while periods of rain dampen areas from the Ohio Valley south into Arkansas and Tennessee. Rain could then move toward major northeastern cities along the Interstate 95 corridor Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the weekend storm over the West Coast will move inland with rain showers and snow in the mountains. The fresh snow in the mountains, along with powder that fell earlier this month, could promote great skiing weather across the West, including in the Sierra and Rocky Mountains.

The best travel weather is expected across the southern United States, including Los Angeles, Phoenix and Atlanta. However, due to flight delays and cancellations elsewhere in the country, there may still be some disruption at airports.

Stormy weather may continue in some areas of the East through Thanksgiving Day, disrupting annual parades, turkey trots, football games and outdoor gatherings.

While some people travel to visit friends or family over Thanksgiving, others spend the holiday on vacation.

“The common theme among the top 10 domestic destinations is warm weather,AAA said on its website. “Four cities in Florida are on the list because of their beaches, theme parks and cruise ports.”

Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., top the list, and AccuWeather forecasters say it could be a pretty warm Thanksgiving across the state. Visitors should take advantage of the mild weather while it lasts, as temperatures may drop and showers and thunderstorms may arrive later in the holiday weekend.

New York City stands out as it is much further north than all other cities in the top 10, in part because of the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thanksgiving morning.

Thousands of people line the streets to watch a procession of balloons, ribbons and floats as they parade through the city. With several storms expected to track across the country throughout the week, participants should prepare for the possibility of some rain.