Holiday travel is set to reach unprecedented levels this season, with millions hitting the roads and skies.
According to AAA, more than 122 million individuals are projected to travel, marking a new high. However, a significant weather system may complicate journeys.
Driving remains the dominant mode, with around 109 million opting for road trips. Meanwhile, approximately eight million will fly, with Southern California emerging as a popular destination. Airlines note that post-Christmas days will see peak congestion.
The weekend preceding Christmas and the day after are anticipated to be the busiest periods for travel.
Starting Tuesday and continuing through Christmas Day, a powerful atmospheric river is forecast to impact California.
ABC7 Meteorologist Dallas Raines advises, "If you want to beat the rain, you'll probably want to be on the road no later than Tuesday morning."
Heavy rainfall could lead to flooding, debris flows, and hazardous road conditions. In mountainous regions, snow may cause significant travel disruptions, particularly on Christmas Eve.
