Winter storms spark travel warnings for millions of Americans

What’s New

Millions of Americans faced potentially challenging travel conditions as winter storm warnings and weather advisories were in place for at least 14 states early Christmas Eve from the National Weather Service (NWS).

Why It Matters

Millions of Americans travel during the holiday season each year. With Christmas just a day away, many are likely already on their way to their destinations, making the weather forecast for the next few days a critical factor in shaping travel plans.

Wintry weather can make traveling by roads hazardous as well as impact flights nationwide.

In some instances, delaying travel can be advised.

What To Know

At the time this article was written, winter storm warnings were in place for parts of Alaska, Maine, Vermont, and California, with weather warnings issued in West Virginia, West Virginia, Nevada, Washington, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, New York, and New Hampshire.

The NWS says that a winter storm warning is issued “when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent.”

It says 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.”

While snow accumulation varied from state to state, some parts of Alaska were expected to see up to 18 inches of snowfall, the NWS said.

In many of the affected areas, the service said travel would be “very difficult to impossible” and could affect commutes on Christmas Eve, also warning of reduced visibility.

“If travel is necessary, consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded,” the NWS said.

What People Are Saying

Brian Donegan, Fox Weather meteorologist on X, formerly Twitter: “White Christmas chance = 100%. Winter Weather Advisories are posted for all of central New York once again as the next round of snow arrives overnight to provide a fresh 2-5 inches of snow on top of the lingering snowpack from the weekend.

“Anyone still commuting to work Tuesday morning will likely encounter slick, snow-covered roads, though the heaviest snow should end around sunrise.”

Patrick Osborn, meteorologist for WABI in Maine on X: “A Winter Storm Warning has been issued from 1:00am to 7:00pm on Tuesday for most of Washington County.

“Much of the rest of Maine is under a Winter Weather Advisory from 9:00pm Monday until 1:00pm Tuesday. Roads will be slippery!”

What Happens Next

The NWS said that storm warnings parts of Alaska would remain in effect until 3 p.m. Christmas Day.

NWS forecasts and advisories are regularly updated.

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