Overnight, strong winds swept through northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, leading to widespread power outages. The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Warning along the Oregon coast and a Wind Advisory for the I-5 corridor, with winds subsiding by 4 a.m. on Wednesday. By 6:35 a.m., Pacific Power reported over 16,600 customers without power, spanning areas from Cannon Beach to Astoria, and around 235 customers affected in the Lincoln City region. Power outages were attributed to storm damage, and repair crews were working to restore service. Several school districts along the coast, including Warrenton-Hammond, Jewell, and Neah-Kah-Nie, were either closed or operating with delays due to the outages. Portland General Electric reported around 1,860 outages in their service area, while Clark Public Utilities (Clark PUD) indicated 667 customers were without power. In addition, several schools in Clackamas County, including Colton, Welches, and Firwood Elementary, were either delayed or closed. Vancouver police responded to a downed tree that caused a brief road closure but cleared the debris quickly.
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01:39 PM EST
Record-breaking holiday travel expected as nearly 120 million Americans take to the roads and skies
Travel in 2024 is expected to close out with record numbers, as nearly 120 million Americans are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. According to AAA, this would surpass the previous record set in 2019.
“The year-end holidays are a time to reconnect with loved ones and honor family traditions, with millions traveling by air and road to be together,” said Cyndi Zesk, senior vice president of travel for AAA Utah.
12:48 PM EST
Are you in for a white Christmas?
New forecasts from The Weather Channel have revealed the probability of a white Christmas across the United States.
It’s festive news for Minnesotans who have a 93% chance of snow on Christmas Day in International Falls.
Residents of Vermont’s Burlington are also likely to catch some Christmas snow with a 63% chance.
On the other end, Chicago only has a 34% chance of snow while New Yorkers have a measly 13% chance of a white Christmas this year.
12:25 PM EST
Severe thunderstorm risk for Tennessee and Alabama
Tennessee and Alabama are at risk for severe thunderstorms, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned today.
“Isolated strong to damaging wind gusts remain possible into early afternoon across parts of the Tennessee Valley region,” NWS said in an alert on X.
12:06 PM EST
Winter storm threatens ‘major airline delays’ for Christmas travel
A storm off the East Coast will disrupt holiday travel by car and plane this weekend if it continues to develop, meteorologists warn.
Millions of Americans will travel for the holiday this year. A report from the American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that more than 119 million Americans have at least 50 miles to travel for year-end holidays.
Thanksgiving also brought record-breaking travel this year, with millions of Americans facing hazardous weather on their journey home after the holiday. That was particularly true in the Northeast, where lake-effect snow prompted officials in parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York to urge people to delay travel until the worst of the snow had passed.
11:56 AM EST
White Christmas to be expected, AccuWeather predicts
A map of the United States showing the probability of major cities getting a white Christmas sits on a snowy background image. A Santa hat sits on the top right of the map.
Getty/Canva/RomanOkopny/Lana Elanor
AccuWeather has predicted that more towns and cities across the U.S. are likely to experience a white Christmas this year compared to 2023. For a Christmas to be considered “white,” there must be at least one inch of snow on the ground on Christmas morning. AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok noted that while the East Coast will see fluctuating temperatures ahead of the holidays, areas around the Great Lakes, including Erie, Pennsylvania, are expected to have snow on the ground.
The forecast suggests that higher elevations and regions typically known for a white Christmas are more likely to see snow, but the key factor for lower elevations will depend on temperatures during Christmas Eve and Day. The likelihood of a white Christmas is low along the I-95 corridor, including major cities like Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C., although there could be some rain or snow on Christmas morning.
Pastelok also highlighted that the recent up-and-down temperatures have made it challenging for ski resorts in the Northeast to maintain snowpack. However, conditions are expected to improve later in December, with colder air returning for better snowmaking opportunities between Christmas and New Year’s.
11:44 AM EST
Fog Alert issued for central Georgia, travelers urged to use caution
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a weather alert on Wednesday at 10:56 a.m. for dense fog affecting parts of Georgia. The alert, in effect until 1 p.m., includes numerous counties, such as Cobb, Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Bibb, along with many others across central and north Georgia.
The NWS reports that while visibility is improving in many areas, widespread low clouds and fog will persist through early afternoon, particularly south of Interstate 20.
Travelers in affected regions can expect reduced visibility, with some areas seeing less than half a mile of clear sight. The NWS urges drivers to exercise caution, especially on highways and interstates, where sudden changes in visibility can occur unexpectedly.
11:06 AM EST
Atmospheric rivers are driving extreme temperatures across the US
Atmospheric rivers—narrow bands of concentrated water vapor transported polewards from the tropics—don’t just deliver a deluge of rainfall, but play a key role in driving extreme heat events and warming winters across the United States, new research suggests.
This winter has already kicked off with atmospheric rivers on both the East and West Coasts, causing widespread flooding, but also relieving drought conditions in some regions.
However, the new study also suggests these weather systems bring heat to the lower atmosphere, creating temperature anomalies 9–18 F above average.
These impacts are especially pronounced in regions like the Pacific Northwest, Midwest and eastern U.S., where atmospheric rivers are linked to warm winters and extreme heatwaves.
10:13 AM EST
Winds leave thousands without power in Washington State
More than 160,000 customers are currently without power in the Puget Sound Region as strong winds sweep through the area.
The intense weather has caused widespread outages, affecting numerous communities.
09:57 AM EST
Flood watch issued for Middle Tennessee as storms move east
A line of storms moved into Middle Tennessee Wednesday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch for several counties. The watch, effective until noon Wednesday, includes areas north of Interstate 40 and west of the Cumberland Plateau. Affected counties include Cheatham, Davidson, Montgomery, and Wilson, among others.
The main concerns are gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for localized flooding in rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas. Although the risk has lessened, isolated tornadoes and hail are still possible. Drier weather is expected by Thursday, with cooler temperatures settling in through the weekend.
A marginal risk is in place for areas west of I-65 tonight and then across more of Middle TN Wed. The threat for damaging winds & tornadoes is low. The primary concern will be flooding, especially for areas along & north of I-40. A Flood Watch is in effect from 12 AM – 12 PM Wed. pic.twitter.com/h9ppEfqAOm
— NWS Nashville (@NWSNashville) December 17, 2024
09:43 AM EST
Mild temperatures, showers possible in Southern Oregon today
Southern Oregon will see light showers to start the day, primarily along and west of the Cascades. Rainfall is expected to be minimal, with most areas receiving less than 1/10 inch, though Curry County may see up to 1/2 inch. Inland regions will dry out by the afternoon, with skies clearing to partly cloudy.
The coast will remain cloudy with a chance of showers throughout the day. Highs will be mild, ranging from the lower 50s in westside valleys and upper 40s in the Klamath Basin, to upper 50s along the coast.
09:32 AM EST
Winter storm, cold temperatures could disrupt Christmas travel
Millions of Americans are expected to travel for the Christmas holiday, but a midweek winter storm could cause significant delays for those hitting the road or flying, especially in the central U.S.
The storm, which will affect travel from Wednesday through the end of the week, may complicate early holiday trips. As Christmas Eve approaches, warmer temperatures could ease travel conditions for most, except those in the northern U.S.
Meanwhile, travelers in the Eastern half of the country may face cold temperatures that could further impact holiday journeys.
09:20 AM EST
Worst traffic delays to come during pre-Christmas and New Year’s weekends
Travelers heading out for the holidays should expect heavy traffic on the weekends before Christmas and New Year’s Day, according to transportation data from INRIX. With 2.5 million additional travelers expected on the roads, the busiest times will occur on Sunday, Dec. 22, and Friday, Dec. 27, when travel times could be up to 30% longer than usual.
“Drivers should expect delays in major metro areas and avoid peak commuting hours if possible,” said Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX.
Travelers are urged to hit the road before 11 a.m. or after the evening commute to avoid the worst congestion. Certain cities like New York, Boston, and Seattle could see double the typical delays, with routes experiencing significant increases in travel time. However, minimal congestion is expected on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the AAA reported.
For those traveling through major metro areas, it’s best to avoid times like 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, in cities like New York and Seattle, where delays could increase by over 100%.
09:09 AM EST
AAA urges drivers to prioritize safety during year-end holiday travel
With an additional 2.5 million travelers expected on the roads this holiday season, AAA is urging drivers to prioritize safety. The organization recommends following posted speed limits, noting that speeding often leads to deadly crashes, even if it saves only a few minutes.
Drivers are also advised to avoid drowsy driving, as operating a vehicle with insufficient sleep can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. To stay alert, AAA encourages drivers to take breaks every two hours or 100 miles.
![ice storm warning driving](https://bnsglobalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ice-storm-warning-driving.jpg)
Stock image of a car driving on icy roads (main) and NWS map of the Ice Storm Warning (inset). Ice Storm Warning areas are in deep purple, while the blue areas are under Winter Weather Advisories.
ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS / National Weather Service
08:46 AM EST
AAA: Nearly 90% of holiday travelers to hit the road this season
As the holiday season approaches, nearly 90% of travelers will take to the roads, with an estimated 107 million people planning to travel by car, the AAA reports. This marks a 2.5 million increase from last year, although it still falls slightly short of the 2019 record.
Many families prefer road trips for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness, especially with lower gas prices this year compared to 2023. Popular car rental destinations include Denver, Las Vegas, and Orlando, with car pick-ups expected to peak on December 20 and 21.
Air travel is also on the rise, with 7.85 million passengers expected to fly, surpassing last year’s record of 7.5 million. However, flight prices have increased, with domestic tickets averaging $830, up 4% from last year. International flights are even pricier, with an average ticket costing $1,630, a 13% increase.
In addition, more people are opting for other travel methods such as buses, trains, and cruises, with a nearly 10% increase in bookings from last year. Domestic cruise bookings have surged by 37%, as families seek festive celebrations on the water.
08:39 AM EST
Atlanta named best U.S. city for Christmas celebrations, WalletHub report reveals
As Christmas approaches, WalletHub has released its latest rankings of the best U.S. cities to spend the holiday season, with Atlanta taking the top spot.
The report, which measures cities based on festive activities and affordability, highlights Atlanta’s abundance of holiday-themed shops, including a high number of bakeries, decoration stores, and card shops.
The city also stands out for its affordable dining options, with many restaurants boasting high ratings. Additionally, Atlanta ranks ninth in the country for Christmas tree farms per capita, making it a prime destination for holiday festivities.
08:23 AM EST
Winter weather warnings in 5 states as a foot of snow to fall
As winter tightens its grip, residents across Washington, Montana, Alaska, Idaho, and Michigan are facing a barrage of winter weather warnings and advisories, with a foot of snow predicted in Montana.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for these states, cautioning residents to prepare for hazardous conditions in the days ahead.
08:16 AM EST
Cold weather injuries: Prevention and treatment tips from the CDC
According to the CDC, most cold-related injuries occur due to accidents, severe weather, or poor planning. To avoid these injuries, experts recommend wearing several layers of warm clothing, including a tightly woven, wind-resistant jacket, and accessories like mittens, hats, and scarves. Proper footwear, waterproof shoes, and personal flotation devices are also essential for outdoor activities.
In cold conditions, it’s crucial to stay dry, as wet clothing can rapidly increase heat loss. If you’re sweating, remove extra layers to avoid chilling. Shivering is an early sign of heat loss and should not be ignored—find shelter and warm up immediately, the CDC recommends.
Cold injuries like hypothermia and frostbite can occur when the body loses heat too quickly. Hypothermia, which occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95°F, can lead to confusion, fatigue, and even unconsciousness. If you suspect hypothermia, seek medical attention immediately and warm the body using dry, warm compresses. Frostbite, which affects the skin, can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in exposed areas. If frostbite occurs, move indoors, remove wet clothing, and soak the affected body part in warm water.
08:09 AM EST
Air travel delays possible
![Christmas Travel](https://bnsglobalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/christmas-travel.jpg)
Passengers wait in line to claim their baggage at Nashville International Airport after their flights on Southwest Airlines were cancelled in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 27, 2022. – More than 10,000 flights cancelled over the Christmas holiday, chaos at airports across America: Southwest Airlines found itself in the hot seat on December 27, 2022, as the airline behind the lion’s share of the weather-linked travel mayhem.
Seth Herald/Getty Images
Airports are also preparing for disruptions. While major storms aren’t expected to cause widespread flight cancellations, the weather could lead to delays at airports in regions experiencing heavy snow and rain. Travelers in cities like New York, Boston, and Minneapolis should monitor their flights for potential delays, especially as the storm systems move eastward.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as weather-related delays may arise on December 22 and 23. Airlines have been working to adjust schedules in advance, but travelers should anticipate longer wait times, especially during peak travel hours.
08:02 AM EST
Fog advisory in 11 states as millions of drivers warned about visibility
The National Weather Service has put out a dense fog advisory for 11 states in the south of the country, warning millions of drivers about the poor visibility.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, the NWS implemented the advisory because of “visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog,” which it warned “could make driving conditions hazardous.”
The advice given to drivers is to “slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
The 11 states that have the advisory in place includes Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Dense fog forms when the air near the ground cools down to its dew point, the temperature when water vapor condenses into liquid water droplets suspended in the air.
07:52 AM EST
Winter weather impacting major travel routes
![Snow Map Shows States Travel Holiday](https://bnsglobalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/snow-map-shows-states-travel-holiday-scaled.jpg)
Vehicles drive slowly along I-80 as a snowstorm dumps several inches of snow on the area on January 09, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa. Around 10 states are impacted by winter weather this week.
Joe Raedle/Getty
As millions of Americans prepare for Christmas travel, winter weather is expected to disrupt plans across the country, leading to potential delays on the roads and at airports. Meteorologists are forecasting rounds of snow, rain, and icy conditions that could slow traffic from coast to coast, particularly in the days leading up to and following the holiday.
By midweek, a series of winter storms will spread across the Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the South, bringing snow, rain, and freezing conditions. Drivers traveling along major interstates such as I-90, I-80, and I-95 may experience hazardous driving conditions, especially in areas with heavy snowfall. The storm systems are not expected to be extreme, but they could still make driving difficult, leading to slower-than-usual traffic and potential accidents.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly 107 million Americans are expected to travel by car this holiday season, an increase from last year. With such a large volume of travelers on the road, the risk of delays is high. Snow and rain will particularly affect routes across the Great Lakes and Midwest, and cities like Chicago, Cleveland, and Detroit may see significant disruptions due to both weather and traffic congestion.
This post was originally published on here