Thanksgiving travel is underway due to delay of more than 2,000 flights within, into and out of the U.S.

There is news of cancellation of almost 30 flights Tuesday.

This is because the weather is slowing things down.

The storm system bringing rain and strong winds threatens Thanksgiving Day holiday travel across the South and the Northeast.

The storm system may move from the Midwest by midday into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. It may thus be causing issues on the road and in the air.

Most on the East Coast will get rain. But, some snow and ice will break out across parts of the interior Northeast and northern New England.

On the southern side of the storm system, heavy rain and severe thunderstorms will move across parts of the Southeast.

Montgomery and Mobile in Alabama and Pensacola, Florida are the largest cities at severe risk. That is because damaging winds will be the main risk Tuesday.

An isolated tornado in the area can arise also.

A total of 2,072 flights faced delay and 29 faced cancellation as of Tuesday afternoon, according to a fligt tracking website.

More than 70 of the delays were at Los Angeles International Airport. Major airports received the brunt by Tuesday’s gusty winds and rain.

This include Chicago O’Hare, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta and Charlotte Douglas in North Carolina, as well as Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City-area airports.

On Wednesday, the bulk of the large storm system will clear the East Coast by lunchtime.

There may be just lingering showers and some gusty winds possible along the Interstate 95 corridor in the morning.

Heavy snow and wind will last through sunset for Maine, before all precipitation ends by midnight.

Two to 6 inches of snow could fall in parts of New England, isolated totals up to 8 inches possible at higher elevations across New Hampshire and Maine.

While the two days leading up to the holiday will be challenging because of weather hazards, Thanksgiving Day itself looks to be relatively tranquil across much of the U.S.

The only exception will be the risk for accumulating snow across parts of the Northern Rocky Mountains, including Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming.

That’s good news for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. There it will be mostly sunny, with temperatures in the mid-40s.

Winds are forecast to be breezy, around 15 mph, well below the parade’s wind threshold. This should allow the balloons to fly high with no issue.

Across the Northeast, it’s likely to be sunny, with temperatures in the high 50s, while in the Southeast there will be a mix of sun and clouds, with temperatures in the 70s and above.

In the Midwest, it’s expected to be sunny, with a cool breeze and highs in the 40s. The Southern Plains will have a mix of sun and clouds, with temperatures in the 60s.

Those on the West Coast can expect sun with temperatures in the 60s in California and the 40s and 50s in the Pacific Northwest.

Thanksgiving travel across the United States of America may be record-breaking this year.

A severe storm system likely to disrupt Thanksgiving travel. The storm is moving up the eastern seaboard of the United States on Tuesday.

Now is the busiest travel period of the year. More than 55 million people are likely to travel before the Thanksgiving holiday.

There is a forecast of thunderstorms from the lower Mississippi Valley to the mid-Atlantic region from Tuesday through Wednesday morning.

There are chances of snowfall on parts of northern New England, the U.S. National Weather Service said.

The severe weather was likely to cause delays and additional congestion during what the AAA group expects to be the busiest travel period in the country since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Industry group Airlines for America forecast that U.S. airlines would carry some 29.9 million passengers between Nov 17 and Nov 27.

That would be an all-time high, up 9% over the 27.5 million in the same period last year and up 1.7 million passengers over pre-COVID record levels.

AAA said that most of those traveling are likely to drive. They are possibly getting motivation by a drop in gasoline prices from 2022.

Around 49 million Americans are likely to get behind the wheel between Nov. 22 and Nov. 26.

It is a rise by 1.7% from the corresponding period in 2022, AAA said.

The heaviest rain and worst driving conditions were likely to affect the areas around the Interstate 95 corridor between Washington and New York, from Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning.

Andrew Orrison, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service said this.

According to meteorologists, as millions of Americans prepare for Thanksgiving travel, a huge storm threatens to disrupt plans across the Midwest and Northeast. A big storm is predicted to bring rain, snow, wind, and perhaps ice to the eastern part of the United States after weeks of generally quiet weather.

The storm’s timing couldn’t be worse, with an estimated 55 to 56 million people travelling throughout Thanksgiving week. The Midwest is anticipated to have the most travel disruptions on Tuesday, while the Northeast will suffer difficulties from Tuesday until Tuesday night. The travel disruptions caused by the weather may extend until Wednesday.

Over the South Central states, the storm strengthened, bringing severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours, damaging winds, and hail. Tornadoes reported in Louisiana and Mississippi exacerbated the storm’s ferocity. As the system moves forward, heavy rain is likely in the Pittsburgh and Atlanta metro areas, with locally strong thunderstorms leading to probable delays in the Atlanta area.

Strong east-to-southeast winds, averaging 25-35 mph with gusts of 40-45 mph, are expected from late Tuesday afternoon to evening throughout the Northeast. Due to difficult conditions at airports in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City, this may cause airline delays. Along the I-90 corridor from Ohio to western New York, power outages and severe traffic conditions are also anticipated.

The storm’s impact on roadways is predicted to be substantial on Tuesday, particularly along I-80, I-81, and I-95 in the mid-Atlantic area. The greatest rain is expected to fall on New York City late Tuesday afternoon and Boston late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, causing travel delays and difficulties.

While the storm will provide much-needed precipitation to drought-stricken areas, its wintry side may dump locally significant snow in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. Accumulations of 3 to 6 inches in the Adirondacks and Green Mountains, and 6 to 12 inches from northern New Hampshire to northwestern Maine, are expected, with skiers likely to appreciate the natural snowfall.

Despite the fact that there will be little ice, forecasters advise care, particularly on high areas approaching freezing temperatures. While lake-effect snow was expected, the prediction indicates that it would be temporary owing to a quick return to dry weather in the Midwest and Northeast by Thanksgiving Day. During this potentially disruptive weather season, travellers are recommended to keep informed and use caution.

The Dominican Republic recently experienced the “largest rainfall event ever” with heavy rains.

It caused floods, landslides and other disasters, resulting in the loss of numerous lives.

While official reports state loss of 24 lives, other sources suggest a higher count of eight additional deaths.

The heavy rains and flooding primarily affected Greater Santo Domingo and other areas of the country.

There was an investigation after nine people died of a highway tunnel collapse in heavy rain in the capital Santo Domingo.

There was evacuation of 13,000 people to secure areas after heavy downpours.

The Emergency Operations Center (COE) said rain caused flooded homes, power cuts and damaged bridges and roads. The casualties include three children.

Dominican President Luis Abinader called it the “largest rainfall event ever” in the country’s history, following torrential storms over the past 48 hours.

Torrential rainfall battered the Caribbean nation with footage on social media. It was showing torrents of water flowing through streets and washing away vehicles.

Officials rescued more than 2,500 people and more than 2,600 homes affected by the storm the COE said.

It added that 45 communities were without communication as of Sunday afternoon.

The rainfall developed out of a tropical depression. It may continue across parts of the country into Monday, the US embassy said.

Among the victims were four Puerto Ricans. They lost their lives in the overpass collapse, including a prosecutor and his family.

The United States Embassy in the Dominican Republic confirmed their deaths and offered condolences to their families.

The country faced a similar situation just over a year ago, and despite investments in infrastructure, such as the storm drainage system, the recent rains overwhelmed the region.

The Director of the National Meteorological Office reported that the Dominican Republic received 431 mm of rain. It was 62% more than the rainfall in 2022.

These extreme precipitations caused bridge collapses, flooding, and tragic incidents, including the collapse of an overpass that claimed nine lives.

The incident has raised questions about infrastructure maintenance and preparedness for extreme weather events.

Despite some preventative measures taken, the government faced challenges in managing the situation effectively, and a critical overpass remained open despite signs of impending danger.

As a result numerous vehicles beacme unusable. There is loss of several lives were tragically lost.

This event serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and infrastructure maintenance, especially in areas prone to heavy rains and flooding.

American Automobile Association projects 55.4 million travellers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving Day holiday travel period.

This year’s Thanksgiving Day forecast is an increase of 2.3% over last year.

It marks the third-highest Thanksgiving Day forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000.

The top two years were 2005 and 2019 respectively.

Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel said that for many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand.

This holiday, they expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022.

Travel demand has been strong all year. American Automobile Association’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that constant desire to get away and spend time with loved ones.

Most Thanksgiving travellers will drive to their destinations. American Automobile Association projects 49.1 million Americans will get behind the wheel.

It is an increase of 1.7% vis-a-vis 2022.

Drivers could be paying less for gas than last Thanksgiving when the national average was $3.58.

This year, the national average peaked in mid-August at $3.87 and has been coming down since, despite global tensions causing ripples through the oil market.

AAA expects 4.7 million people will fly over Thanksgiving. This is an increase of 6.6% vis-a-vis 2022 and the highest number of Thanksgiving air travellers since 2005.

Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are the busiest air travel days ahead of the holiday and the most expensive.

While Sunday is typically the busiest day to return home, AAA data shows Monday is also a popular day to fly back after Thanksgiving.

The number of people travelling by cruise, bus, and train over Thanksgiving is up nearly 11% over last year.

AAA expects 1.55 million travellers will head out of town using these other modes of transportation. This took a huge hit during the pandemic but have rebounded nicely.

The cruise industry, in particular has made a remarkable comeback, Twidale added.

Thanksgiving cruises are mostly sold out. Many travellers look forward to spending the holiday at sea.

The opening dates for two new major wintertime attractions in Lake George, N.Y., have been announced.

Winter Realms will open to the public on Friday, November 24, 2023, at Festival Commons in Lake George. Lake George Winter’s Dream will open to the public on Friday, December 8, 2023 in the courtyard of Fort William Henry. Both attractions expect to remain open through March 2024.

Lake George Winter’s Dream is a brand-new immersive multimedia experience that will unfold inside the bastions in the courtyard of the Fort William Henry historical fortress. It is being created by the renowned Montreal entertainment studio Moment Factory, with its signature multimedia touch, embodying the studio’s mission to bring visitors together. Drawing on the rich emotions, sensations, and magic of the season, a series of multimedia installations will welcome visitors into winter’s warmth. As evening falls, lights, sounds, original music, projections, and interactivity will invite audiences of every age to engage and play, to gather, and to share moments of joy.

Winter Realms will enchant visitors with ice skating, dazzling lights, larger-than-life motifs, a sculpture park, igloos, Santa’s Candy Cane Court, a Polar Ice Bar, and a variety of other winter attractions. Its opening will coincide with Lake George’s Lite Up the Village Holiday kickoff event, which this year has expanded to two days of activities with events for people of all ages.

Lake George Winter’s Dream and Winter Realms received financial support from Warren County as part of the public-private effort to foster year-round tourism and local employment. Both events are supported by Warren County Tourism / Lake George Area and the Warren County Winter Coalition.

As winter blankets the Midwest, the enchanting landscape of Southwest Illinois transforms into a haven for nature enthusiasts drawn to the mesmerising spectacle of eagles soaring along the bluffs overlooking the majestic Mississippi River.

Eagle Season kicks off with the Alton Eagle Ice Festival on January 6, a celebration where visitors can witness the splendor of American Bald Eagles up close. FLOCK Food Truck Park, the festival’s vibrant hub from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., hosts a free Eagle Meet & Greet, offering a unique chance to capture memories alongside America’s national symbol.

Beyond eagle encounters, the Eagle Ice Festival promises a day filled with excitement. Attendees can indulge in delectable treats from food trucks and enjoy refreshing beverages from the FLOCK bar. The atmosphere is set with DJ tunes and live ice carvings by Ice Visions, creating an immersive experience. Eagle enthusiasts can embark on shuttle tours from the Alton Visitor’s Center, ensuring optimal eagle-watching opportunities.

For those seeking warmth, Old Bakery Beer Company presents the Eagle Fest Beer, perfectly complementing the festival ambiance. Families can gather around fire pits, savoring s’mores kits for sale, while children delight in face painting.

Simultaneously, the National Great Rivers Museum offers free family-friendly activities, including talks by eagle experts and eagle film showings. The museum provides spotting scopes for eagle nest viewing and invites creativity with make-and-take eagle crafts, such as eagle head wraps.

Bird lovers can venture to the Audubon Center at Riverlands, just across the Mississippi from Alton, for live displays of eagles and owls from the TreeHouse Wildlife Center. Guided bird hikes, eagle crafts, and s’mores by the firepits add to the day’s enchantment.

The Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower stands tall, inviting visitors for eagle observation tours from heights of 50, 100, and 150 feet. A Birds of Winter educational session, featuring local raptors from the TreeHouse Wildlife Center, enhances the experience from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with admission required for tower tours.

For a more extensive exploration, Eagle Shuttle Tours are available every Saturday in January and February, departing from Alton or Grafton. Meet & Greets in both Grafton and Alton offer additional opportunities for eagle enthusiasts to connect.

Extend the experience by staying overnight at Pere Marquett Lodge, Alton Cracker Factory, or Aeries Resort, immersing yourself in the captivating allure of Southwest Illinois during this annual celebration of nature’s regal raptors.

Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy at the U.S. Travel Association, released a statement in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s announcement of an additional 65,000 H-2B temporary worker visas for FY24.

After sustained efforts from the U.S. Travel Association, the release of these extra H-2B visas, which came well in advance of the peak travel season, will offer a much-needed boost to an industry grappling with a workforce shortage of over one million vacant positions.

He further said, “While this is a step forward in alleviating workforce pressures, there are 10 million job openings across the U.S., underscoring that there are not enough U.S. job seekers to meet demand. A clear need exists to permanently expand the H-2B program, particularly to support the small and seasonal businesses that depend on temporary workers.

U.S. Travel expresses gratitude to the Department of Homeland Security for issuing the additional H-2B visas and urges lawmakers to promptly explore bipartisan solutions to permanently expand this program.

The Northwest region of the United States is facing a barrage of storms, with an active jet stream bringing a continuous deluge of rain and high-elevation snow.

After two recent storms, which brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, another storm is set to impact the area early in the week.

As of Monday morning, significant rainfall has been recorded, with 3.07 inches at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and 3.01 inches in Portland, Oregon. Parts of the Olympic Mountains and the Cascades have received over 8 inches of rainfall. The storms have also generated gusty winds, with Hoquiam, Washington, experiencing wind gusts of up to 62 mph during the first storm and 56 mph during the second.

The upcoming storm will continue the wet trend in the Pacific Northwest. It is expected to bring moderate rainfall and gusty coastal winds, increasing the risk of ponding on roadways, flooding in low-lying areas, and overflowing smaller streams. Unlike the previous storms, this one is expected to introduce colder air, lowering snow levels to around 5,000 feet and potentially bringing accumulating snow to higher mountain passes.

The Northwest can anticipate a brief respite from the wet weather midweek, but this dry period is predicted to be short-lived. Forecasters anticipate another storm to approach the region later in the week, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and mountain snow. Snow levels are projected to drop to around 6,000 feet during the day and as low as 4,000 feet overnight, possibly even lower in some areas of the Cascades.

Travelers, especially those planning to traverse mountain passes like Snoqualmie Pass, should be prepared for challenging and slow travel conditions during this period. The cumulative impact of these storms is expected to bring significant rainfall, with localized areas experiencing up to 15 inches of rainfall across west-facing slopes of the Olympics, Cascades, and Coast Ranges. Meanwhile, cities like Portland and Seattle are likely to see total rainfall between 2 to 4 inches through Tuesday, further emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness in the face of this prolonged, inclement weather.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency on Sunday over tropical storm Pilar.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) expects the storm to dump heavy rains and cause floods along the coast within the next 48 hours.

The government issued a “red” alert, the highest of a four-level scale, and suspended classes.

The emergency decree will enable the government to direct funds to handle the situation. There are reports of flooding on the central coast and in the east.

Pilar is expected to be near El Salvador’s coast on Tuesday night or early Wednesday. But, the NHC said in an advisory issued late on Sunday that people should stay offshore.

Winds are currently near 40 miles per hour (65 km/h), the NHC said. It also notes that they could grow fiercer.

According to a forecast by NHC, ‘Pilar’ may gain additional strength and take in the shape of a hurricane by Tuesday.

The Mexican city of Acapulco on the Pacific coast is reeling from Hurricane Otis that last week caused massive destruction as a Category 5 storm, killing 48 people.

Honduras has also issued a Tropical Storm Watch for its Pacific coast, according to the NHC.