Chaos Ahead: Holiday Travel Slammed by Storms, Winds, and Fire Danger Coast to Coast This Christmas Week!
As millions of Americans hit the roads and skies for the holidays, a series of powerful weather systems is delivering a one-two punch from coast to coast. Heavy rain and gusty winds on the West Coast, extreme fire threats in the Rockies and Plains, and incoming storms in the Northeast are creating hazardous conditions just as travel peaks for Christmas 2025.
With AAA projecting a record 122+ million travelers this season, disruptions are mounting—flight delays, slick roads, power outages, and even ski resort closures are already hitting hard. Here’s the breakdown as of December 21, 2025:
West Coast: Persistent Storms and Heavy Rain
A series of atmospheric rivers (including a “Pineapple Express”) is pounding Washington, Oregon, and California with relentless rain and wind through Christmas and beyond.
- Expect 2-6+ inches of additional rain over the weekend, with totals up to 10-15 inches in some spots by year’s end → leading to flooding, landslides, and rockslides.
- Coastal gusts 40-60+ mph; mountain snow closing passes and pausing operations at resorts like Boreal and Soda Springs.
- Travel impacts: Major delays on I-5, Highway 101, and coastal routes; potential aviation disruptions in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco.
d Lake-Effect Snow
A cross-country storm is pushing east, bringing widespread rain, gusts up to 60 mph, and lake-effect snow to the Great Lakes and interior Northeast.
- Airport delays likely in New York, Chicago, Boston; potential power outages.
- Milder temperatures overall, but wet roads and reduced visibility for drivers.
Travel Tips to Stay Safe
- Flights → Check with airlines for waivers; major hubs like LAX, SFO, DEN, ORD, and JFK/EWR may see delays.
- Roads → Avoid mountain passes if possible; carry chains, emergency kits. Use apps like Waze or 511 for real-time updates.
- General → Charge devices (outages possible), delay non-essential trips in affected areas, and monitor NWS alerts.
While the central U.S. stays milder and drier for now, the coasts and mountains bear the brunt—making this a tricky holiday travel season. Stay safe out there, and check local forecasts often as conditions evolve rapidly.
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