Christmas Weather Updates: Downed wires disrupt Amtrak routes during travel

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.