Thanksgiving Travelers Brace for Worst Road Congestion on Wednesday

As families across the United States gear up for Thanksgiving, transportation analysts are warning that Wednesday is poised to be the most challenging day for road travel. According to Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX, renowned for providing transportation data and insights, the day before Thanksgiving is notorious for gridlocked roadways.

“Travelers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major metros,” cautioned Pishue. He emphasized the importance of staying informed about congestion patterns, advising drivers to leverage traffic apps, local Department of Transportation (DOT) notifications, and 511 services for real-time updates.

For those planning to hit the road on Wednesday, the afternoon is recommended for travel along the I-95 corridor, with a forecast indicating a temporary reprieve from rain.

Meanwhile, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a hallmark of the holiday, is set to feature the iconic Turkey Float, captivating audiences in New York City on Nov. 23, 2022.

While Thanksgiving Day itself is anticipated to be clear, Fox Weather alerts travelers returning home on Friday through Sunday of potential disruptions. A new storm in the Rockies, coupled with windy conditions, may impact flights at high-elevation airports. Additionally, the Southeastern region can expect more rain on Black Friday.

Sunday is forecasted to be the heaviest travel day of the year, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) projecting a record 2.9 million passengers to be screened at airports. AAA warns drivers of heavy congestion in cities such as Houston, New York, San Francisco, and Portland, Oregon. As holiday-goers navigate the Thanksgiving travel rush, staying informed and planning accordingly becomes paramount to minimize frustrations on the nation’s roadways