Though the country expects to break the highest volume of travelers in one day on record this week, the weather might have some other plans for the millions of passengers estimated to be traveling this holiday season.
Meteorologists predict extreme weather to threaten New York State the week of Thanksgiving, beginning Tuesday and lasting through Wednesday. Some New York counties might even see their very first snowfall of the season.
“I just want to remind everybody to be vigilant. We’re expecting freezing rain, snow accumulations, high winds – everything you would not want to see as you’re heading out for your holiday travels. But the warnings are out there, and I’m asking everyone to heed them at this time,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. Buffalo and Watertown are the most vulnerable, she informed.
Other areas like Huguenot, New York and Port Jervis, New York have a higher than 15% chance of seeing more than 0.1 inch of snow between Monday, November 20th and Wednesday, November 30th, according to the National Weather Service.
All of these conditions are expected to have “major impacts” on holiday travel.
Governor Hochul explains that the state, including Homeland Security, DOT, Thruway Authority, National Guard, Parks, and DEC, is preparing for “the worst case scenario.”
“We’re heading into the busiest travel season of the year and of course Mother Nature is preparing to slam us with a massive snow storm right here in New York, at the prime peak time for holiday travel next Wednesday into Thursday…I wanted everyone to know that we’re taking this very seriously.”
As of now, NYC seems to be in the clear with the rain forecasted to stop before Thanksgiving on Thursday.
The Governor advises people to alter their travel plans to ensure Wednesday isn’t their main travel day. Regardless of weather, NYC travelers should be wary as NYC was recently deemed the fourth worst city for holiday travel in the country.