Biden’s Thanksgiving Proclamation: “Deep Gratitude to the American People”… Mass Exodus of 72 Million People
Millions are traveling for Thanksgiving, the biggest holiday in the US, on the 28th. Transportation officials estimate 71.7 million people will travel by car over the long weekend. This is an increase of 1 million from last year. On the 27th, nearly 3 million air travelers went through TSA screening at airports.
Many areas are experiencing snow and rain, affecting travel plans. A winter storm brought snow to the Rocky Mountains on the 27th. It then moved into the Midwest and Northeast. Freezing rain was reported from St. Louis to Indianapolis and eastern Pittsburgh. Rain also affected the East Coast from Florida to Maine.
Due to the bad weather, many flights were delayed. On Thanksgiving Day, 334 flights were delayed and 39 were canceled. The day before, 4,000 flights were delayed and 45 were canceled.
Authorities warn travelers to be cautious while parking at airports. Theft alerts are in place as more than 300 cars have been stolen from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport this year, nearly three times the number from last year. Over 50 vehicles have also been stolen from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. A multi-state car theft ring is reportedly targeting airports.
Interview with Meteorologist Sam Thompson on Thanksgiving travel and Weather Impacts
News directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Sam. With Thanksgiving travel at an all-time high this year, can you summarize the current weather situation affecting travelers?
Sam Thompson: Certainly! As we know, this Thanksgiving holiday is seeing a meaningful increase in travelers, with an estimated 71.7 million people hitting the road and nearly 3 million flying. Sadly, a potent winter storm has rolled in, bringing snow and rain across many regions of the U.S. Starting in the Rocky Mountains, the storm has now affected the Midwest and Northeast, leading to hazardous travel conditions.
News Directory 3: Can you elaborate on the specific areas that are facing severe weather?
sam Thompson: Absolutely. The storm has caused snowfall rates in some areas of the Midwest to reach up to 2 to 3 inches per hour, notably impacting regions in michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Furthermore, freezing rain has been reported from St. Louis to Indianapolis, making road conditions treacherous.On the East Coast, rain is impacting travel routes from Florida all the way up to Maine, which is complicating things for travelers heading home for the holiday.
News Directory 3: With such adverse weather, what have we seen in terms of flight disruptions?
sam Thompson: Unfortunately, the bad weather has led to significant flight delays and cancellations. On Thanksgiving Day alone, there were 334 delayed flights and 39 cancellations. The day before saw even worse figures, with around 4,000 flights delayed and 45 canceled due to the storm’s effects.This creates a ripple effect that not only impacts holiday plans but also puts extra strain on airports already facing high volumes of travelers.
News Directory 3: In addition to weather-related travel issues, there have been reports of car thefts at airports. Can you comment on that?
Sam Thompson: Yes, that’s an significant point. As people are traveling during this busy holiday season, thefts have increased, particularly at major airports like Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth. Authorities are urging travelers to remain vigilant when parking their vehicles, as there has been a notable rise in thefts associated with organized crime rings targeting airports.
News Directory 3: Lastly, any advice for travelers amidst this chaos?
Sam Thompson: My advice would be to check your travel routes and flight statuses before heading out. If you’re driving, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready and keep an emergency kit handy. For those flying, arrive early and be prepared for potential delays. Most importantly,take it easy and stay safe. The holidays are about coming together, and safety should always be the top priority.
News Directory 3: thank you, Sam, for your insights and the vital facts to help our readers navigate this holiday season safely.
President Joe Biden shared his Thanksgiving Proclamation on the 27th. He hopes families will come together to celebrate. He said this Thanksgiving is the last he will announce as president and expressed gratitude to the American people.
On the 25th, President Biden pardoned two turkeys named ‘Peach’ and ‘Blossom,’ marking his final turkey pardon. This tradition started in 1947 with President Harry Truman. Although turkeys were once eaten, they have been pardoned since President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The White House continues this tradition each year.