Stormy Holiday Travel Forecast for California and Nationwide Surge in Travelers
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A potent series of atmospheric river storms is poised to lash Northern California this weekend, potentially disrupting holiday travel plans for millions. The national Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings, urging residents and travelers to prepare for significant rainfall and potential flooding.
California Weather: Rain, Wind, and Flooding Concerns
According to NWS meteorologist Dial Hoang, the first storm system will hit the Bay Area saturday morning, bringing a modest amount of rain—around 0.25 to 0.33 inches to San Francisco and Oakland. The North Bay can expect heavier downpours, with 0.5 to 0.75 inches anticipated in the valleys and up to 1.5 inches in the mountains. San Jose and the inland East Bay will see considerably less precipitation.
Though, the real deluge is expected Monday and Tuesday. Hoang warns,”It’s going to be pretty messy,especially monday and Tuesday if you’re trying to travel during those days. In the North Bay especially, we expect pretty intense rain, increased flooding concerns and possibility for damaging wind gusts, mainly at the coasts and higher elevations.” A subsequent storm system may impact the Bay Area after Christmas, but the NWS is still assessing its potential impact.
Southern California will experience milder weather. NWS forecaster Lisa Phillips from the oxnard office predicts a chance of rain on Christmas Eve, but anticipates minimal rainfall for Los Angeles County, stating, “In general, it doesn’t look like anything to get excited about.”
Record Holiday Travel Numbers Expected Nationwide
Despite the stormy forecast in parts of California, the holiday travel rush is expected to break records nationwide. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening nearly 40 million passengers between December 19th and January 2nd—a 6.2% increase compared to last year. The busiest travel days are projected to be December 20th, 27th, and 30th.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasts a staggering 119.3 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between December 21st and January 1st, with approximately 107 million opting for road trips—a 2.5 million increase over last year. This surpasses the previous record set in 2019.
AAA vice President of Travel, Stacey barber, explains the surge: “This is the time of year when lifelong memories are made with loved ones, and travel plays a big role in that. This year, with christmas Day falling on a wednesday, we’re anticipating record-breaking travel numbers the weekend before and the weekend after the holiday.”
Travelers are advised to check weather forecasts and flight/road conditions before embarking on their journeys, and to allow extra time for potential delays.
California Bracing for Rainy Holiday Travel as Nationwide Travel Reaches Record Highs
With a series of atmospheric rivers poised to douse Northern California this holiday week, travel plans for millions could be impacted. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings, urging residents and travelers to prepare for significant rainfall and potential flooding. Meanwhile, despite the impending storms, holiday travel is expected to reach record levels nationwide.
Talking Holiday Travel & Weather with Meteorologist Andrew peterson
Today we’re joined by Andrew Peterson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Francisco, who’s been closely tracking these storms and their potential impact. Andrew, thanks for joining us today.
The Storm Systems Arriving This Weekend
Andrew Peterson: Thanks for having me. We’re expecting a multi-day stormy period here in california, starting this Saturday with the first system rolling in.It’s not going to be as intense, but it’s a prelude to what’s coming.
Senior Editor: Can you elaborate on what we can expect in terms of rainfall amounts and specific areas that might be hardest hit ?
Andrew Peterson: Saturday will see modest rainfall across the Bay Area, around a quarter to a third of an inch in San Francisco and Oakland. Though, northern parts of the Bay area could see up to three-quarters of an inch, and the mountains might get as much as an inch and a half. The inland East Bay and San Jose will see less. But Monday and Tuesday?
Senior Editor: Those are the days everyone’s worried about, right?
Andrew Peterson: Right. That’s when we really see the brunt of the storm. It’s going to be significantly wetter and windier. The north Bay, in particular, could see intense rainfall, leading to increased flooding concerns and strong wind gusts, especially along the coast and in higher elevations.
travel Impacts and Safety Precautions
Senior Editor: What advice would you give to folks traveling through these areas during the storm?
Andrew Peterson: Obviously, try to avoid travel if at all possible. If you absolutely must travel, check road conditions and weather forecasts frequently. Allow for extra time, as there will likely be delays. Be prepared for potential road closures and power outages. And remember, if you encounter flooded roadways, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” It’s not worth risking your life.
Record Holiday Travel Numbers Expected Nationwide
Senior Editor: Despite these challenges in California, we’re seeing record travel numbers projected nationwide. What’s driving this surge ?
Andrew Peterson: You’re right, it’s a remarkable juxtaposition. Nationally, the travel industry is expecting a record-breaking holiday season. It truly seems people are eager to make up for lost time and celebrations after the pandemic, and Christmas falling mid-week means many have extended weekends.
Senior Editor: What about those traveling to Southern California? Should they be expecting stormy weather there too?
Andrew Peterson: Southern California will have much milder weather. They might see a bit of rain on Christmas eve, but nothing too significant.
Final thoughts
Senior Editor: Andrew, thank you for sharing your expertise with us. This is invaluable information for our readers as they navigate the holiday travel season.
Andrew Peterson: My pleasure. Remember to stay safe and informed as you travel. Happy holidays!
