Today and tomorrow are the worst days to travel for Thanksgiving as a record-breaking 80 million Americans are expected to head home for the holidays, according to the AAA. Winter storms across the country have caused more than 1,000 flight delays and dozens of cancellations today. Meanwhile forecasters are warning that icy roads and heavy snow in 13 states could be treacherous for motorists. In Colorado, the National Weather Service (NWS) warns, "travel could be very difficult to impossible," as mountain regions expect up to 26 inches of snow. Californians have received the same NWS warning as up to six feet of snow is expected in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Roads and bridges "will likely become slick and hazardous," NWS predicts. The Midwest is also bracing for a winter storm this week which could create dangerous snowy road conditions while New England and the North East Coast is forecast to receive its first heavy snowfall of the year today, with a second set for Thanksgiving night. The worst times to travel over the holidays is this afternoon, and Wednesday afternoon. The best will be on Thanksgiving itself when roads are typically clear of traffic. Newsweek has compiled an experts' safety tips for winter travelers as the hazardous conditions look set to continue.
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12:59 PM EST
Best and worst times to travel this Thanksgiving
The AAA and INRIX have revealed the best, and worst, times to travel for Thanksgiving this year.
The worst times to drive home for the holidays is Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, while the best day is Thanksgiving Day.
The worst:
- Tuesday, Nov. 26: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 27: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 29: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 30: 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 1: noon to 6 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 2: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The best:
- Tuesday, Nov. 26: Before 10 a.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 27: Before 10 a.m.
- Friday, Nov. 29: After 1 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 30: Before 1 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 1: Before 1 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 2: Before 8 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
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