Christmas Day Weather, Travel, and Safety Tips You Should Know
Winter storms, flash floods, and record holiday traffic hit Christmas travel. AAA warns of delays, flight cancellations, and the worst travel days.
Christmas travel is underway across the U.S., but winter storms are complicating plans for millions. From icy roads in the Northeast to heavy rain and mountain snow in California, travelers are facing delays and hazardous conditions during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. More than 2,000 flights to and from the U.S. were delayed on Tuesday, and dozens of flights were canceled due to the storms.
AAA warns of significant holiday traffic congestion in major cities.
AAA predicts significant congestion in many U.S. cities during the peak holiday travel period, resulting in significantly longer travel times for drivers.
Boston and Washington, D.C., top the list, with travel times on major routes more than doubling. Boston drivers heading north on I-95 toward Portsmouth could experience travel times exceeding three hours on December 20, a 126% increase. In Washington, D.C., motorists traveling on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway toward Baltimore on the same day could face a 133% increase in travel time.
Other significant delays:
- Atlanta to Augusta (I-20 E): December 22, 51% longer than normal.
- Chicago to Indianapolis (I-65 S): December 26, a 54% increase.
- Denver to Fort Collins (I-25 S): December 26, nearly double the normal driving time.
- Los Angeles to Palm Springs (I-10 E): December 26, 89% longer.
- New York to the Hamptons (L.I. Expy): December 22, a 90% increase
From Houston's I-45 corridor to the I-84 stretch in Portland, traffic jams are expected across the country. Travel times may also be longer in San Francisco, Seattle, and San Diego on December 23 and 26.
AAA advises travelers to plan accordingly, leave early in the day, and be prepared for longer travel times on the busiest holiday routes.
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Flash Flood Warning Issued in California Amid 'Excessive Rainfall'
The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of the potential for flash flooding in California this week amid "excessive rainfall." "There is a high risk of heavy rainfall across Southern California on Wednesday, and do you know what that means? High-risk days with a high probability of excessive rainfall have a significant likelihood of causing serious impacts from flash flooding," the NWS said in a statement on X.
"These days are associated with approximately two out of every five flood-related deaths in the U.S. and most of the property damage caused by flooding. If you live in this area, it's crucial to stay updated on the weather forecast."
Worst Day to Travel During the Holidays Revealed
According to AAA, more than 122 million people are expected to travel home for the holidays this year.
The busiest day for air travel is expected to be December 28, followed by December 26.
"Will you be driving home? Will you be postponing your trip?"
AAA said that travel this year is up 2.3 percent compared to last year, with nearly half of the 122 million travelers flying.
Unusually Warm Temperatures to Affect Central and Eastern US Through Christmas
According to AccuWeather, a warm air mass will spread across much of the country before Christmas, pushing temperatures 15-30 degrees above average. Record-breaking warmth is expected across nearly two dozen states from the Rockies to the Appalachians, with cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, Tulsa, Wichita, Albuquerque, and Amarillo seeing late-spring-like temperatures.
While the mild weather may be pleasant, it will also present travel challenges. Persistent low clouds and fog from the Gulf Coast to the Appalachians and Atlantic coast could reduce visibility, potentially disrupting road travel and causing flight delays. The unseasonable warmth could make this one of the warmest Christmas holiday seasons on record for many major cities.
Best and Worst Times to Hit the Road This Holiday Season
Holiday road trips are a tradition for millions of Americans, but choosing the right time can make the difference between a smooth journey and being stuck in traffic for hours. Transportation data suggests that congestion will peak on several key travel days, while Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day are expected to be the easiest times to drive.
Peak Congestion: The busiest travel times are late morning through evening, with the worst traffic expected between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on December 26-28. Other heavy travel days include December 20-23 and December 29-30, when traffic jams are likely from midday through evening.
Best Time to Drive: Leaving early in the morning is the safest bet to avoid traffic jams. Travelers who depart before 10 or 11 a.m. may encounter lighter traffic, while those leaving after 9 p.m. on December 20 may also find some relief.
Lightest Days: Traffic is expected to be lighter on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day, making for easier driving.
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