Thanksgiving travel live updates: Record number of Americans set to hit the road

Travelers flying out of Washington DC and Baltimore for Thanksgiving have felt the brunt of weather-related flight delays Tuesday.

Between Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Dulles International Airport, 40 flights have been delayed this afternoon.

The ongoing winter storm moving east toward the US east cost and northeast is currently situated directly over the Washington DC and Baltimore area.

Flight delays in New York and the northeast may increase later in the evening as the storm moves into the region.

The freeway was reopened just in time to allow access to Thanksgiving travelers.

Of course, even with the I-10 reopen, it’s still Los Angeles.

Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg posted a video on Tuesday informing air travelers of their rights — and what compensation they can expect — in the event of flight cancellations or delays 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 said the DOT’s regulations have helped return more than $2.5bn dollars to travelers whose flights have been cancelled. He recommended air travelers to visit FlightRights.gov to review their rights as travelers before they set off for their holiday destinations.

The New York State Department of Transportation offered up a list of tips for holiday travelers taking to the roads to reach their destinations this Thanksgiving.

Northern New York and northern New England are expected to see freezing rain and sleet this evening with the potential for some snow overnight, though accumulation is unlikely in all but the most elevated of the affected regions.

Wednesday is expected to be the busiest day for road travelers. AAA recommends that drivers leave either early or late in the day to avoid the worst of the holiday traffic.

After a wet and windy Tuesday and Wednesday, Thanksgiving day is expected to be relatively dry, but chilly across much of the US.

“High temperatures in the Central and Southern Plains will average 10 to 20 degrees below the norm. Meanwhile in the Northwest, temperatures will be mild for the most part as high pressure builds across the region,” the NOAA reports.

New York Mayor Eric Adams issued a travel advisory for the city’s residents on Tuesday, warning them of heavy rains and strong winds heading into the Thanksgiving holiday stretch.

“@nycemergencymgt has issued a travel advisory for today, November 21, through tomorrow, November 22. Be prepared for heavy rains and strong winds. Bundle up, add extra time for travel, and follow @NotifyNYC for more updates as we have them,” the mayor wrote.

While most of the snow that will fall late Tuesday night on New England will melt before accumulation is possible, there are some higher-elevation areas where forecasters expect it to stick.

Massachusetts broadcaster WBZ-TV’s weather team predicts up to three inches of snow could accumulate — for a few hours — in the northern, higher elevation portions of the state.

Most of that snow will be compacted and will melt as temperatures increase on Wednesday.

A band of rain stretching from Atlanta northward to Washington DC will soak the region Tuesday, causing possible delays and disruptions to holiday travelers.

The rain will move northeast from Washington DC to New York around 5pm.

Freezing rain and sleet are possible in northern New York and northern New England.

Freezing rain is possible in the northeast, thunderstorms are forming throughout the Midwest, and both may contribute to delays and disruptions for holiday travelers on Tuesday.

Here’s the latest National Weather Service forecast map for Tuesday.