Severe Weather Threatens Holiday Travel Amid Busy Season

With the busiest travel day of the season just one week away, severe weather is already complicating holiday plans across the country. Storms rolling through the West Coast and South are bringing snow, rain, high winds, and tornado watches, leaving travelers scrambling.

On the West Coast, Portland, Oregon, experienced strong winds and heavy rain, leading to downed trees and scattered power outages. Cleanup efforts are underway, with residents dealing with hazardous conditions. In Washington State, ice and snow created treacherous roadways, forcing authorities to close parts of Interstate 90 due to crashes and spinouts.

The South faced severe storms, prompting tornado watches across Louisiana and Texas. By Thursday evening, over a million residents were under tornado warnings. The FAA also issued ground stops at two Texas airports, compounding travel woes.

Flight cancellations surged nationwide, with over 700 flights into, out of, or within the U.S. canceled on Thursday alone, according to FlightAware.

As severe weather continues to impact major travel hubs, experts are urging holiday travelers to monitor conditions and plan for potential delays. Whether driving or flying, preparation will be key to navigating this challenging holiday season.