Travel chaos is predicted across parts of the United States today when 2.42 million people will be trying to fly and drive for Thanksgiving in the midst of Storm Boreas, which is sweeping eastwards across the country.
Sleet, snow and freezing rain have already caused severe flight disruptions in the west, Texas and Arkansas regions. Flightstats.com reported more than 6,000 delays and 271 cancellations yesterday.
American Airlines and American Eagle cancelled 300 flights in and out of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport yesterday.
New York airports have also endured more than 300 delays and heavy rain is expected to cause further disruption on Wednesday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning through to Wednesday afternoon when up to nine inches of snow could fall in northern parts of West Virginia.
Delays are also predicted at Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston and Charlotte N.C today.
So far, 14 people have died in storms and, as it continues to sweep eastwards, there are fears that the East Coast will see up to three inches of rain, causing delays on the busy Interstate 95 corridor.
The American Automobile Association says today will be the busiest travel day, and 90% of travelers will drive, while Airlines for America says this year’s Thanksgiving will see the highest number of air travelers since 2007 – weather permitting.
The busiest day is expected to be Sunday, when an estimated 2.56 million passengers will travel.
Today is expected to be the second-busiest with 2.42 million passengers.
