Thanksgiving Travel: Rain Pounds Parts Of U.S.

Rain made for miserable travel in parts of the East on Tuesday, as millions of people hit the roads and airports on one of the busiest days for Thanksgiving travel.

Rain combined with cold prompted a travel advisory for New York City. The advisory warned of wet and windy conditions as well as the possibility of an overnight freeze.

T​hat weather came from what one of our meteorologists called a "Goldilocks" storm. In other words, there was some active weather but probably not any major issues.

(​MORE: Thanksgiving Travel Forecast)

H​ere's a look at our travel updates from Tuesday:

Tomorrow Will Bring Less Rain, But Still A Few Spots To Watch

From digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles: Most of the country will begin to dry out Wednesday, but there will be a couple of trouble spots.

If you're traveling in New England, wait until later in the day. Gusty showers could wreck some early morning plans specifically along the coast, but conditions will calm as the day goes on. It could remain wet in Maine through the day, but even there, conditions should improve.

Further south, showers and a few thunderstorms are expected along the Southeast coast into Florida, but these should only cause minor and short-lasting delays.

A few rain and snow showers are also possible in the Pacific Northwest as a new storm system begins to take shape for Thanksgiving. That storm will bring snow to the Rockies on the holiday.

'​Can't Control Mother Nature'

Air travelers have endured a rash of delays and cancellations in recent years, but Scott Keyes, founder of the travel site Going, told The Associated Press he is cautiously optimistic that holiday air travel will remain smooth sailing. So far this year, he said, airlines have avoided massive disruptions.

“Everyone understands that airlines can’t control Mother Nature,” Keyes said.

R​ain Falling In New York City

From digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles, as of 6:15 p.m. EST: Rain is just beginning in New York City, Hartford and Albany, New York. Across most of the East we've seen 0.50-1.00" so far. There are some spots in western Virginia up into central Pennsylvania that are upwards of 2.5 inches.

Heavy Rain Pounds Parts Of I-75 around Knoxville, Tennessee

A​ little more than 2 inches of rain fell in areas around Knoxville. That caused near-zero visibility on some stretches of Interstate 75.

M​ore than 49 million people in the U.S. are expected to drive somewhere more than 50 miles from home this week, according to AAA.

W​hat To Know If You're Flying With A Dog Or Cat

Remember that flights can be stressful for pets that are older, have anxiety, need medication, or are too big for the cabin. Weather delays can only make that worse.

Always make sure you have the appropriate paperwork and an airline approved kennel with your contact information securely attached to the outside.

Click here for more tips on flying with cats or dogs, including what to pack.

M​ore Than 2.5 Million People Expected To Fly Today

T​he Transportation Security Administration projected its workers would screen some 2.6 million passengers at U.S. airports Tuesday. About 2.7 million passengers were expected to fly Wednesday and 2.9 million on Sunday, which would be a single-day record for the TSA.

Clouds Affecting Charlotte Airport Arrivals

Flights headed toward Charlotte Douglas International were being delayed by an average of 90 minutes or more due to low cloud cover as of 4 p.m., according to t​he Federal Aviation Administration. Charlotte was the nation's 10th busiest airport in 2022.

A 'Goldilocks' Storm Is Hitting The East

From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: If you're going to have a Thanksgiving week storm, one could argue this Eastern one is the best you can hope for regarding few delays. Here's what to expect:

-For the most part, the rain isn't heavy. So there are wet roads to navigate, but not torrential downpours.

-With limited cold air, any heavier snow is pinned to northern New England and upstate New York, not in more populated areas or over major airports.

-Since the low-pressure system – and dome of high pressure to its east – aren't too strong, any high winds are confined mainly to the Appalachians instead of more widespread in the East, South and Midwest.

F​AA Predicting Airport Delays Later Today

T​he Federal Aviation Administration said ground stops and delays were possible at some airports, including Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport, Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and West Palm Beach, Florida.

Updates From The Road

Here's what we heard from some of our readers:

-"Experiencing heavy rain and gusty winds between Montgomery and Birmingham on the way to Michigan," Patty Cox wrote.

-​"Driving from Pensacola to Knoxville," Ami Debrine told us. "Once we saw the forecast we left yesterday and did 3 hours after work. We will still have rain today, but only 5 hours and should avoid the worst of it. Fingers crossed."

-​"We were planning to travel today, but decided to stay an extra night to avoid the rain," Christina Schubel Morrill said. "We are in Pigeon Forge trying to get back to Florida."

-​"Perfect weather flying through Salt Lake City from Bend, Oregon to Kansas City," Helen Gerard wrote.

M​ore Thanksgiving Articles And Videos

-Sweet Season Soured? Dry Conditions Cut Sugar Supply

-Gobble Up These Climate-Friendly Thanksgiving Tips

-Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: A Look Back In Photos

-Thanksgiving Dinner Will Cost Less This Year, Farm Bureau Says

-‘Tis The Season For Safe Holiday Decorating

Weather.com reporter Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.