Holiday Travel Period Will Be Busy, Inclement Weather Possible Locally

Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 2:58 PM

AAA expects nearly 113 million Americans to travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday season.

Shutterstock photo.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – AAA estimates 112.7 million people will travel 50 miles or more away from home between December 23 and January 2.

That’s an increase of 3.6 million people compared to holiday travel in 2021.

AAA expects travel to be the third busiest for holiday travel since tracking began in 2000.

“This year, travel time will be extended due to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falling on Sundays,” says Paula Twidale, AAA’s Senior Vice President of Travel. “With hybrid work schedules, we are seeing more people take long weekends to travel because they can work remotely at their destination and be more flexible with the days they depart and return.”

Nearly 102 million people will drive to their holiday destinations, while 7.2 million are expected to fly.

Locally, driving conditions could be “iffy” heading into the weekend. Rain will come down Thursday before temperatures plummet to single digits. There is a chance for accumulating snow overnight Thursday into Friday.

According to the National Weather Service, even minor amounts of snow, combined with gusty winds, may lead to blowing snow and reduced visibility, causing impacts to holiday travel.

For more information, visit https://newsroom.aaa.com/2022/12/nearly-113-million-people-will-travel-from-december-23-to-january-2/ or www.weather.org.