Holiday Weather Updates: Winter advisories in 13 states

‘Extremely dangerous’ conditions along Pacific Coast amid 60ft waves

The National Weather Service (NWS) have warned of “extremely dangerous conditions” along the Pacific Coast amid a major swell which has created waves up to 60ft high.

“Dangerous and life-threatening beach conditions are forecast with very high surf, rip currents, sneaker waves, and coastal flooding through Tuesday for ALL beaches along the Pacific Coast,” the NWS Bay Area wrote on X.

“Very rough seas, breaking waves to 60 feet, and extremely dangerous conditions.”

Meet Snow Ella, the 12 ton, 20ft tall snowwoman

Meet Snow Ella, the 12 ton, 20 feet tall snowwoman who has become a big attraction in her hometown of Anchorage, Alaska.

Snow begins to blanket the city, which is just 5° south of the Arctic Circle, in November. But Cyrus Aldeman, owner of Anchorage Trolley Tours, still had to scour several properties to find the 1,100 cubic feet of snow needed to create Ella.

“When there’s not a lot of snow on the ground it’s very hard to build a 20-foot-tall structure. And then once we had it almost built, she started to melt. And she would freeze and she would melt and I’d be shoveling snow,” he told Alaska’s News Source.

Are white Christmases becoming rarer due to climate change?

We might be dreaming of a white Christmas, but the reality is they are becoming much rarer than they once were.

Winter is becoming the fastest-warming season across the U.S. with warming “hot spots” found in New England and the Upper Midwest, according to Elizabeth Burakowski, a research assistant professor of earth sciences at the University of New Hampshire.

“With snowfall, what we know is that the ratio of precipitation that’s falling as snow versus rain has been shifting over time,” she said, according to USA Today.

“And as we get warmer temperatures, we’re going to be seeing more of our winter precipitation falling as rain instead of snow.”

Two rescued as storm-damaged Santa Cruz wharf collapses in major swell

Part of Santa Cruz wharf collapsed today after being hit by huge waves up to 26ft tall, the National Weather Service reported.

At least three people fell into the water during collapse. One managed to pull themselves to safety, while the other two had to be rescued from the powerful waves, according to Santa Cruz Fire Department officials.

The 150ft section of the pier that collapsed, which included a restroom, was being worked on after it had been damaged by storms in the past.

More than 300 flights delayed amid winter weather

More than 300 flights have been delayed in the U.S. today amid winter storms and snow.

Another 48 were canceled, as Americans fly home in time for Christmas Eve with their families.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport reported the most todays with 52 as of 6.45pm.

It was closely followed by Boston Airport with 41 delays.

Volcanic smog threatens Hawaii as Kilauea erupts again

One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea, began erupting Monday at approximately 2 a.m. HST on Hawaii’s Big Island, prompting health warnings as volcanic smog threatened downwind communities.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) elevated its volcano alert level from “Advisory” to “Warning” and aviation color code from yellow to red.

By 2:30 a.m., webcam imagery captured lava fountains emerging through fissures in Halemaʻumaʻu within Kaluapele (the summit caldera).

Read in full from Adeola Adeosun on Newsweek.

Anchorage temp is 76% warmer today, just days before Christmas holiday

The temperature in Anchorage, Alaska, on Monday is abnormally warm, causing a winter storm in the area to produce freezing rain rather than snow just days before Christmas.

Central and southwestern Alaska have experienced a much warmer December than usual, with temperatures more than 10 degrees above average frequently throughout the month. Earlier in December, a flood warning was issued for part of the state because the warm temperatures were contributing to ice melt.

The abnormally warm temperatures are now threatening a warmer Christmas for a typically snowy environment. The weather could hinder holiday travel and cheer, as freezing rain rather than snow could make for slippery roads.

Read in full from Anna Skinner on Newsweek.

Map shows national gas prices during busy holiday travel

Oklahoma is the state with the lowest gas prices in the country this holiday season, offering much-needed financial relief for drivers during a bustling travel period.

The average price in Oklahoma is $2.46 per gallon—significantly below the national average of $3.04, AAA says.

AAA projects a near-record number of holiday travelers this season, with an estimated 119 million people traveling by road or air. Of these, about 107 million will be driving—a 3 million increase from last year and a new record, compared with pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

At $3.04, the national average gas price marks one of the lowest holiday season levels since the pandemic, according to AAA.

Read in full from Jesus Mesa and Monica Sager on Newsweek.

Snowiest towns and cities in America: No. 1

The top snowiest town or city in the United States, according to The Weather Channel’s list, is a small city in Alaska which receives just over 325 inches of snow on average every year.

Number 1: Valdez, Alaska

It’s located east of Anchorage, in an area which often hosts “Aleutian low” low pressure system, and is surrounded by mountains .

The combination means snowfall is typically heavy, with a record snowiest day on Jan. 16, 1990, receiving 47.5 inches.

The deepest drifts recorded were 135 inches, or over 11ft, on April 15, 1929, meaning that even someone standing on someone else’s shoulders may have struggled to see over the snow.

Snowiest towns and cities in America: No. 2

The second snowiest town or city in The Weather Channel’s top three list is found near Lake Eerie in New York State.

Number 2: Sherman, New York

Located near the Pennsylvania state line, and close to Lake Eerie, the town of Sherman gets an average of 224.5 inches of snow every year.

Much of the heavy snowfall is due to lake effect snow, coming off Lake Erie, which can result in small bands of very heavy snow.

Those bands are amplified by Sherman’s high elevation of 1,560 feet in the Chautauqua Hills.

It’s record snowiest day was on March 4, 1971 where it received 32 inches, while its deepest record snow depth, on December 12, 1977, was 35 inches.

Top snowiest towns and cities in America: No. 3

The Weather Channel has compiled a list of the top three towns and cities across America that get the most snow every year.

The towns, which must have a population of at least 1,000, to be included are mostly found in the mountains or near lakes.

Only one town or city was allowed to represent each state in The Weather Channel’s list.

Number 3: Truckee, California

Based in California’s Sierra Nevada where winter storms can bury the region in feet of snow at a time.

Truckee has an average yearly snowfall of 206.6 inches, while the deepest snowfall on record, in Jan. 15, 1911, was 118 inches, or nearly 10ft.

On its record snowiest day, on Jan. 3, 1916, it received 45 inches.

Incredible drone footage captures winter wonderland in snow-covered New York

Incredible drone footage has captured a winter wonderland after heavy snow blanketed parts of New York.

The video shows the drone flying through the snow-covered woods of Southampton, a town on Long Island, after snowfall over the weekend.

Snow forecast for New York tonight

The National Weather Service is forecasting snow in parts of New York and Connecticut.

Snowfall is expected to start late tonight and continue into early Tuesday morning.

“Roads will become snow covered due to recent cold weather, resulting in slippery travel conditions. Use extra caution if traveling during this time period,” the service warned in a post on X.

AAA urges drivers to prioritize safety during year-end holiday travel

With an additional 2.5 million travelers expected on the roads this holiday season, AAA is urging drivers to prioritize safety. The organization recommends following posted speed limits, noting that speeding often leads to deadly crashes, even if it saves only a few minutes.

Drivers are also advised to avoid drowsy driving, as operating a vehicle with insufficient sleep can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. To stay alert, AAA encourages drivers to take breaks every two hours or 100 miles.

White Christmas to be expected, AccuWeather predicts

AccuWeather has predicted that more towns and cities across the U.S. are likely to experience a white Christmas this year compared to 2023. For a Christmas to be considered “white,” there must be at least one inch of snow on the ground on Christmas morning. AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok noted that while the East Coast will see fluctuating temperatures ahead of the holidays, areas around the Great Lakes, including Erie, Pennsylvania, are expected to have snow on the ground.

The forecast suggests that higher elevations and regions typically known for a white Christmas are more likely to see snow, but the key factor for lower elevations will depend on temperatures during Christmas Eve and Day. The likelihood of a white Christmas is low along the I-95 corridor, including major cities like Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C., although there could be some rain or snow on Christmas morning.

Pastelok also highlighted that the recent up-and-down temperatures have made it challenging for ski resorts in the Northeast to maintain snowpack. However, conditions are expected to improve later in December, with colder air returning for better snowmaking opportunities between Christmas and New Year’s.

Are you in for a white Christmas?

New forecasts from The Weather Channel have revealed the probability of a white Christmas across the United States.

It’s festive news for Minnesotans who have a 93% chance of snow on Christmas Day in International Falls.

Residents of Vermont’s Burlington are also likely to catch some Christmas snow with a 63% chance.

On the other end, Chicago only has a 34% chance of snow while New Yorkers have a measly 13% chance of a white Christmas this year.

‘Trouble spots’ across US as millions travel for Christmas

Winter weather forecasts show “trouble spots” across the United States, with several states expected to have rain or snow to contend with during Christmas week as millions gear up for holiday travel.

Newsweek reached out to AccuWeather via email for comment on Sunday afternoon.

Concerns remain for holiday travelers after Thanksgiving brought record-breaking travel this year, with millions of Americans facing hazardous weather on their journey home after the holiday. Many people in the Northeast faced treacherous conditions as heavy lake-effect snow hit Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. The storm was strong enough to prompt some officials to urge people to delay travel home as snowplows would have a difficult time keeping roads clear during heavier bouts of snow.

Millions of Americans will travel for the holiday this year. A report from AAA predicts that more than 119 million Americans have at least 50 miles to travel during the latter half of December, setting a new record.

Given that Christmas is on a Wednesday this year and is just three days away, Americans could already be making their way towards their destination, meaning the forecast for the coming days could have the biggest impact on travel.

Read the full story by Natalie Venegas on Newsweek.

Light snow, freezing rain, but no white Christmas in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s chances for a white Christmas are slim this year, as light snow and possible freezing rain are expected to cause minor travel disruptions on Christmas Eve morning. The wintry mix is anticipated to hit between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Tuesday, with temperatures remaining below freezing. Accumulation will likely be minimal, with only a light glazing of ice and up to half an inch of snow possible.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for the region, but the impact on travel should be limited, as temperatures will rise to about 40 degrees by afternoon. Christmas Day will be milder, with temperatures in the upper 30s and no snow or ice accumulation expected.

While Philadelphia has had white Christmases in the past, the odds are low, with a roughly 9% chance in any given year. The last white Christmas occurred in 2009, but since then, accumulating snowfall on Dec. 25 has been rare. This year, it looks like a mild, but snowless, holiday.

Mild temperatures and light showers expected in Florida

As Christmas and the start of Hanukkah approach, mild weather conditions are expected in South Florida with a few showers but no significant rain. After a cool weekend, temperatures will gradually rebound, reaching highs near 79°F this afternoon with partly cloudy skies. While rain chances remain low today, they will increase slightly to around 20% for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

An east wind will maintain a higher risk of rip currents along the coast, but overall, the holiday period will not see a washout. Looking ahead, Kwanzaa’s start on Thursday is expected to be partly cloudy and warm, with temperatures continuing to rise throughout the week, peaking near 80°F by the end of the week.

What a White Christmas means

While Christmas movies often depict picturesque scenes of snowy mornings, the reality is that only about a dozen states have a greater than 70% chance of experiencing a white Christmas.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a “white Christmas” is defined as having at least one inch of snow on the ground by Christmas morning.

White Christmas predictions for every state

Christmas is only two days away, and meteorologists can now say with relative certainty which states can expect a white Christmas.

Last week, meteorologists began forecasting with increasing certainty which states might have a white Christmas this year.

Now, National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists are issuing winter weather-related warnings for multiple states, forecasting fresh snow to fall in the days leading up to Christmas. AccuWeather also has published an updated white Christmas map.

Though the snow could contribute to the magic of the holiday, at least 15 states are expecting difficult travel conditions early this week because of snow and winter weather, the NWS warned.

Read the full story by Anna Skinner on Newsweek.

Storm to bring snow, sleet and freezing rain to Northeast and Great Lakes

A dangerous wintery mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain set to hit the Northeast and Great Lakes could slow holiday travel.

A fast-moving storm is expected to hit the regions later today and last through Tuesday, according to Accuweather.

Back-to-back storms will increase the risk of flooding and mudslides.

Meanwhile, two rounds of severe weather are expected along the central Gulf Coast on Christmas Eve.

National Weather Service plays key role in ensuring safe holiday flights

This holiday season, National Weather Service (NWS) aviation meteorologists are working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to monitor weather conditions that may impact flights. Embedded in FAA Command Centers and Center Weather Service Units across the country, NWS meteorologists provide real-time weather updates to ensure air travel remains as safe and efficient as possible.

The NWS is focused on tracking weather-related hazards like storms, turbulence, and visibility issues that can disrupt flight schedules. Their efforts behind the scenes play a vital role in helping aviation professionals respond swiftly to changing conditions, ensuring smooth travels for millions of holiday passengers.

Winter storm set to bring snow and icy conditions

A winter storm is set to impact the Upper Midwest and Northeast, ensuring a white Christmas for many in the northern U.S. According to AccuWeather, the system will bring more snow from Wisconsin to Maine, with some areas expecting up to 3 inches of snow through Tuesday. Higher elevations in the Adirondacks, White Mountains, and Green Mountains could see up to 12 inches of fresh snow.

The system is moving eastward, and winter weather advisories are in effect from Wisconsin to Maine, as well as portions of the mid-Atlantic, including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Slick roads are possible on Tuesday morning due to light snow or wintry mixes.

Before the storm moves into the Northeast, AccuWeather reports that the Great Lakes region could see freezing rain and drizzle, which will turn into snow later in the day. Travelers should be cautious, especially along major highways like Interstate 90 and 35, as conditions could remain hazardous.

Drivers warned of four ‘sneaky’ winter weather hazards

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is warning drivers to beware of four “sneaky” winter weather hazards as they head home for the holidays.

“Winter is officially here — & so is the potential for hazardous driving conditions,” the NOAA said in statement.

“Snow & ice are obvious conditions that can be extremely dangerous, but there are also 4 “sneaky” hazards to be aware of.”

The hazards include;

• Flash freeze
• Dense fog
• Rain after a long dry stretch
• Rain with a temperature near freezing

Watch the NOAA’s video for more information and safety tips below.

Winter weather system to bring snow and icy conditions across the U.S. ahead of Christmas

A weather system moving through the Upper Midwest on Monday is set to bring more snow to areas from Wisconsin to Maine, ensuring a white Christmas for millions in the northern U.S. The system is expected to continue into the Northeast by Christmas Eve, with potential travel disruptions due to slick roads, especially along the Interstate 95 corridor in the mid-Atlantic.

This new system follows closely on the heels of a recent storm that already brought significant snow to similar areas. By Tuesday, an additional 1 to 3 inches of snow could fall across parts of the Upper Midwest and Northeast, with some higher elevations, including northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, seeing up to 12 inches.

Winter weather advisories are in effect from Wisconsin to Maine and parts of the mid-Atlantic, including cities like Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. These areas may experience light snow or wintry mixes that could create hazardous road conditions on Tuesday morning. In the Great Lakes region, freezing rain and drizzle will persist through Monday before turning to snow in areas like Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Christmas winter storm map shows 18 states with worst travel conditions

Poor travel conditions were expected in at least 18 states through Tuesday, as millions of Americans planned for or have already begun Christmas travel.

Newsweek has mapped the states facing hazardous conditions, according to AccuWeather.

According to a report from AAA, a record of more than 119 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles during the second half of December.

Read in full from Joe Edwards on Newsweek.

Chilly Monday for the Northeast

The Northeast faced an unusually cold start to the week, with temperatures below the average for this time of year.

In the Hamptons, the Long Island town in New York, much loved by the celebrity and wealthy, temperatures plunged to just 1F.

The small town of Montgomery, in New York State, was even colder this morning at -5F.

New York City is also suffering in freezing temperatures at just 13F.

Amtrak flooded with complaints from Americans trying to get home for the holidays

The social media pages for Amtrak has been flooded with complaints from angry passengers, complaining that their train journeys have been canceled or delayed.

Many Amtrak customers were demanding refunds and also complained that they had not been able to speak to anyone on the train company’s customer services phone lines.

Iain Forrest wrote on X that Amtrak had canceled his train tickets “to visit my mother-in-law for Christmas after her recent stroke” and claimed he’d been asked to “submit a request” for a refund.

“And oh, your phone center is offline. Great. Merry Christmas,” he added, sarcastically, adding the hashtag, “#Grinch.”

In response, Amtrak apologized and asked him to get in touch.

Another customer complained that her “12pm trip from NY Penn to Dc Union was cancelled with an hours notice & nobody will answer / call me back for a refund before the scheduled dept time.”

Once again, Amtrak apologized for the “inconvenience this canceled train has caused you.”

Americans driving home for Christmas face cheapest gas prices since Covid

The national average price for a gallon of gas has dipped to $3.04 as of December 23, marking one of the lowest levels during the holiday season since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new analysis from the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is two cents less than a month ago and four cents less than a year ago, the organization’s figures show.

This year’s dip in gas prices is a welcome change for Americans, particularly during a season marked by heightened travel. AAA forecasts that 119 million Americans will travel during the holidays, 107 million of whom will drive. For families, lower gas prices mean reduced costs during a time of typically high expenditures.

Read in full from Jesus Mesa on Newsweek.

Winter weather alerts issued for Great Lakes and Northeast as Christmas nears

Around 10 million people in the Great Lakes and Northeast are under winter weather alerts on Monday as cold temperatures and snow continue to impact the region. According to the National Weather Service, much of the East Coast is experiencing a cold start to the holiday week, with an arctic surface high moving eastward.

Sunday was the coldest morning of the season for many Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states, and Monday is expected to remain chilly, though slightly milder. Snowfall over the weekend has already affected the Northeast, and more snow is expected in the coming days. A light dusting may fall over New York City on Tuesday, while areas from the Great Lakes to Maine could see up to 6 inches of snow, along with ice accumulation.

Cities such as New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Detroit are among those expected to be impacted. Although the possibility of a White Christmas is uncertain in some areas like New York City, snow showers are expected to bring at least some wintery conditions to the region.

Meanwhile, the West will face heavy rain and mountain snow starting Monday night, particularly in the northern Sierra Nevada, where up to a foot of snow is anticipated. The storm system will bring 2-4 inches of rain to coastal areas through Tuesday evening.

Winter weather could disrupt holiday travel across 15 states

This week, winter weather is expected to impact holiday travel across 15 states, with snow falling in the Northeast, Great Lakes, Southwest, and Alaska. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather advisories, warning of slick conditions that could lead to delays and cancellations for millions of travelers.

With over 119 million Americans expected to travel for the holidays, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), weather-related disruptions are a significant concern. Nearly 63% of flight delays are caused by adverse weather, as noted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NWS has issued alerts for several states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, and California, warning of snow and strong winds that could complicate travel, especially during morning and evening commutes.

In Alaska and Nevada, more severe conditions are expected, prompting additional caution for holiday travelers. While most alerts are set to expire by Tuesday, those in Alaska and Nevada are expected to last until Wednesday, meaning travel could be particularly challenging through the start of the holiday week. Travelers are advised to check weather forecasts and prepare for potential delays as winter weather continues to impact travel plans.

‘Storm train’ to batter US over Christmas

The Western United States is bracing for a relentless “storm train” that will bring heavy rain, mountain snow and potential travel disruptions throughout the Christmas holiday, according to AccuWeather forecasts.

This weather pattern, driven by atmospheric rivers, has already delivered substantial precipitation this fall and early winter, easing drought conditions and boosting snowpack in the region.

However, meteorologists warn that saturated ground could lead to increased risks of flooding and mudslides.

Read in full from Tom Howarth on Newsweek.

Mild temperatures to continue through 2024, cooler weather expected in early 2025

The National Weather Service (NWS) has announced that mild temperatures will persist across the U.S. for the remainder of 2024.

However, as the new year begins, a shift is expected, with below-normal temperatures forecast for most of the country during the first two weeks of January.

While much of the U.S. will experience cooler-than-usual conditions, the Southwest and Alaska are predicted to see above-normal temperatures.

Californians warned not to exercise outdoors in air quality alert

Several millions of people in California have been warned by the National Weather Service (NWS) to limit outdoor activity and to refrain from burning wood after air quality alerts were issued in Southwestern parts of the state.

The NWS said in its alert that a mandatory wood-burning ban previously implemented by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has been extended for residents in the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB), which includes Orange County as well as parts of Los Angeles County, San Bernadino County, and Riverside County.

According to the South Coast AQMD, the SCAB encompasses a region inhabited by some 17 million people.

According to the NWS, ‘No-Burn Days’ are necessary to safeguard public health when fine particle pollution levels are anticipated to be elevated anywhere in the South Coast Air Basin.

Read in full from Joe Edwards on Newsweek.

TSA reminds travelers of what to bring on their flights

The Transportation Security Administration shared a tweet linking to its website to remind travelers of what to bring on their trip this holiday season, and what they can’t.

Travelers face hundreds of flight delays

Air travelers are facing hundreds of delays across the U.S. today. FlightAware’s MiseryMap reports 360 delayed flights and four cancelations so far.

Hartsfield-Jackson Intl Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, and Chicago O’Hare Intl in Illinois have each delayed 36 flights.

Thousands of flights delayed as holiday travel intensifies

Holiday travel has been heavily impacted by widespread flight delays, with over 10,000 flights delayed on Friday and 9,500 on Saturday, according to FlightAware. By Sunday afternoon, more than 3,500 flights had been delayed. The Federal Aviation Administration expects over 43,000 flights on Sunday, with similar numbers anticipated on Monday.

Air travel is expected to see a reduction on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with approximately 30,000 flights scheduled for each day. AAA has noted that these holidays may see less road congestion, making driving a more favorable option. Meanwhile, Amtrak services in the Northeast are experiencing extended delays due to overhead wiring issues, with several cancellations at stations.

Heavy rain and snow expected across the West Coast as the holiday weekend approaches

The National Weather Service reports that the West Coast will experience another round of heavy rain and mountain snow starting late Monday night. An atmospheric river event will bring intense moisture to northern California and western Oregon, with up to 4 inches of rain possible in some areas. Snow levels are expected to drop as the storm moves through, with the heaviest snow accumulating in the Sierra Nevada.

Meanwhile, a low-pressure system crossing the Great Lakes on Monday will bring mixed wintry precipitation, including light snow in parts of the Northeast. Winter weather advisories are in effect for areas from southern Minnesota to northern Michigan. Additionally, a separate low in Texas will lead to scattered showers and thunderstorms across the southern U.S. through Tuesday.

In contrast, much of the East Coast will experience cold temperatures to start the week, with a significant chill expected across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. However, temperatures will moderate by Christmas Eve, and much of the central and southern U.S. can expect unseasonably warm conditions, with highs reaching into the 60s and 70s in Texas.

Snow expected across higher elevations in U.S. ahead of holiday travel

Travelers in the coming days should prepare for snow in higher elevations across the western U.S., Great Lakes, and Northeast, the National Weather Service reports. The snowfall could impact travel, especially in mountainous regions, as conditions become slippery and visibility decreases.

Drivers are advised to monitor weather reports and adjust their plans accordingly, as winter weather may cause delays and hazardous road conditions.

Rain, thunderstorms, and snow to impact travel across U.S. this week

Rain and thunderstorms will move from the central and Southern Plains on Thursday, reaching the Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes by Friday. While a few severe storms are possible in the South, heavy downpours and wet roads are expected to be the primary travel concerns, The Weather Channel reports.

In the West, lingering snow will affect the northern Rockies and Utah’s Wasatch on Thursday, followed by a Pacific storm bringing rain and mountain snow to Washington, Oregon, and Northern California late Thursday and into Friday. Another system will hit the Northwest on Friday.

Airport delays are likely in Dallas, Houston, and Seattle on Thursday, and in Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle on Friday.

More Americans are taking the train than ever

More Americans rode Amtrak trains than ever in 2024, as interest in passenger rail has seen a resurgence across the United States.

Amtrak set its all-time ridership record for a fiscal year in December, surpassing 32.8 million passengers, an increase of 15 percent from 2023. Amtrak’s ticket revenue reached $2.5 billion, a 9 percent increase year-over-year, and also the highest in its history.

Board Chair Tony Coscia credited the ridership growth to several factors, saying in a statement that it “reflects not only the need for train travel in America but also the impact of strategic investments that support our long-term vision.

“We’re modernizing and expanding our network in ways that will improve service, enhance reliability, and increase capacity. This is an exciting time for rail in America, and Amtrak is committed to leading the way.”

Read the full story by Flynn Nicholls on Newsweek.

Three waves of mountain snow expected this week, with heaviest snow on Christmas Day

This week, three waves of mountain snow are expected, with the heaviest and steadiest snow likely to hit on Christmas Day. According to forecasters, mountain travel will be clear on Tuesday and Thursday, but conditions are expected to worsen on Christmas Day as snow accumulates, making roads slick and potentially hazardous.

Amtrak announces train cancelation

Amtrak has announced the cancelation of Train 185, which travels between New York and Philadelphia.

Travelers are encouraged to call 1-800-USA-Rail for help rebooking a trip.

Texas Department of Public Safety urges safe driving ahead of holiday travel rush

As the holiday season approaches, thousands of Texans are taking to the roads, with AAA Texas estimating that 9.1 million people will travel by car this year. With just two days until Christmas, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding drivers to prioritize safety on the state’s busy highways.

DPS Sergeant Rob Mallory stressed the importance of planning ahead and being patient as traffic increases. “Expect the roads to be crowded. Give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go,” he said.

Mallory also emphasized basic safety measures, such as obeying speed limits, reducing distractions, and wearing seatbelts. He pointed out that many fatal crashes could have been prevented if passengers had buckled up. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, half of the passengers killed in 2022 were not wearing seatbelts, and in Texas alone, 1,183 people lost their lives in 2023 due to not being properly restrained.

California snow map shows counties to be hardest hit

Parts of California had winter storm warnings and weather advisories issued from the National Weather Service early on Monday, with snowfall predicted for multiple counties in the coming days.

Newsweek has mapped the parts of The Golden State forecast to be hit the hardest, according to the NWS.

At a time when people are on the move to visit loved ones, the service said that travel could be “very difficult to impossible” in some places and that hazardous conditions in regions affected by snow could impact morning commutes.

Read the full story by Joe Edwards on Newsweek.

Top tips for smooth holiday travel

Traveling during the holidays can be stressful, but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some expert tips from Travel + Leisure to help make your holiday travel experience as smooth as possible:

1. Book flights early and set price alerts: To get the best deals, book flights as early as possible. If you’re still waiting, set up price alerts on sites like Skyscanner to track price drops.
2. Reserve rental cars ahead of time: Car rental prices can change quickly, so it’s best to reserve early and check for any price drops. Consider renting from non-airport locations or smaller vehicles to save money.
3. Be flexible with dates and airports: Flying on less busy days or from larger airports with more competitive prices can help reduce costs.
4. Consider less-visited destinations: Instead of popular holiday spots, explore less crowded alternatives, which can offer lower costs and a more relaxed experience.
5. Use points for bookings: Redeem your credit card points or frequent flyer miles to save on flights and accommodation.
6. Opt for direct flights: Winter weather can cause delays, so booking direct flights reduces the chance of missing a connection.
7. Splurge on lounge access: Skip the crowded terminals by upgrading to lounge access for a more comfortable experience.
8. Pack gifts in your carry-on: Avoid the hassle of lost luggage by packing your presents in your carry-on bags.
9. Know TSA rules: Leave gifts unwrapped to avoid security issues, and check the TSA website for regulations on flying with food and liquids.
10. Have a backup plan: Prepare for unexpected cancellations by having alternate routes or travel insurance in place.
11. Get your car tuned-up: If driving, ensure your vehicle is ready for winter conditions with a quick tune-up.
12. Make use of apps: From finding flights to streaming entertainment, use apps to stay organized and entertained.
13. Check attraction hours: Confirm the holiday hours of your destination’s attractions to avoid surprises.
14. Make restaurant reservations: Popular spots fill up fast during the holidays, so reserve your table in advance.
15. Stay calm and spread joy: Use apps like Headspace or Calm to manage stress and enjoy the journey.

Pacific storm to bring rain, snow, and gusty winds to the Northwest

The National Weather Service is warning of a powerful Pacific storm system set to impact the Northwest U.S. on Monday, bringing gusty winds, heavy rain, and mountain snow. As the storm moves eastward, it will track through the Great Lakes and Northeast, where a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected.

Travelers in these areas should prepare for slippery roads and potentially hazardous conditions.

Winter weather may cause travel disruptions on Christmas Eve and Day

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will bring a variety of weather conditions across the U.S., potentially disrupting holiday travel. According to the Weather Channel, light snow is expected to continue in the Northeast, with accumulations of up to a few inches, particularly from the New York City area to southern New England. Freezing rain or drizzle may also impact parts of the mid-Atlantic states on Christmas Eve morning, though temperatures will rise above freezing during the day.

In the South, rain showers and thunderstorms will stretch from eastern Texas to Missouri on Christmas Eve, with the lower Mississippi Valley facing similar weather on Christmas Day. Heavy downpours and wet roads will be the primary travel concerns, though an isolated severe storm can’t be ruled out.

Out West, rain and mountain snow will spread across California, Oregon, and Washington. Southern California will see light precipitation, but a more significant storm is expected to hit the Pacific Northwest and northwest California on Christmas afternoon and night. The storm could bring local flash flooding, especially in northwest California and southwest Oregon.

Travelers should also prepare for potential airport delays on Christmas Eve in major cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City, and on Christmas Day in Seattle and New Orleans.

Gas prices expected to be lowest on Christmas Day since 2020

GasBuddy forecasts that the national average for gas prices will be $3.01 per gallon on Christmas Day, marking a dip from last year’s $3.10 and well below the 2021 peak of $3.26, CNN reports. This would be the lowest price on Christmas Day since 2020 when prices were significantly lower due to the pandemic.

The drop in prices comes as more Americans plan to hit the road this holiday season, with an estimated 107 million expected to travel by car, according to AAA. This is a 2% increase from last year and just shy of 2019 levels. Despite prices being higher than pre-COVID levels, many Americans are benefiting from better wages, making gas more affordable on a wage-adjusted basis.

Although gas prices have decreased from last year’s highs of over $5 a gallon, some areas are still seeing lower prices. In 11 states, including Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina, gas is averaging less than $2.80 per gallon.

Nashville anticipates sunshine Monday

The National Weather Service in Nashville predicts sunshine today and not-so-cold temperatures for the rest of the Christmas week.

Winter weather warnings in 16 states as 14 inches of snow to hit

Early on Monday, the National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories for 16 states across the U.S., with up to 18 inches of snow forecast in parts of the country.

The NWS winter weather advisories are issued “for any amount of freezing rain, or when two to four inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience.”

This year, millions of Americans are expected to travel for the holiday season.

With Christmas now just around the corner, many Americans may already be en route to their destinations, making the weather forecast for the next few days particularly significant for travel plans.

Read the full article by Joe Edwards on Newsweek.

Snow, ice, and rain impacting travel across U.S. Monday

On Monday, light snow and freezing rain will move from the upper Midwest and Great Lakes toward the Northeast, according to The Weather Channel. Snow accumulations are expected to range from 1 to 4 inches in areas including central Wisconsin, Lower Michigan, western Pennsylvania, and parts of New York and New England, creating slippery travel conditions.

Some light ice accumulations are possible from southern Wisconsin to southern Lower Michigan, leading to hazardous roads, especially on bridges and overpasses, before temperatures rise above freezing.

In the West, rain will spread across Northern California, western Oregon, and western Washington, with snow expected at higher elevations in the Cascades by Monday night. Light snow will continue in the northern Rockies. Travelers should also be prepared for potential delays at airports, including San Francisco, Chicago, and Detroit, as weather impacts travel.