Bad weather is expected on the Tuesday before the Thanksgiving holiday
Rain will begin around 7 a.m. Tuesday and continue into Wednesday morning. Up to 2 inches of rain is expected, according to 7News Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson.
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Don’t start packing the car yet. Some bad weather is heading to the D.C. area a week ahead of heavy traffic and holiday travel. Here’s what you need to know.
A storm warning is in effect Tuesday when up to 2 inches of rain is expected, according to 7News Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson.
Rain will begin around 7 a.m. Tuesday and continue into Wednesday morning.
Temperatures will peak in the mid-50s late Tuesday, but with moderate to strong winds gusting over 30 mph, you may need to wear a heavy coat.
A coastal flood warning is in effect for Anne Arundel County, Maryland, according to the National Weather Service until 1 p.m. Wednesday. Gusty winds will continue “particularly over the waters surrounding southern Maryland” through Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, a winter weather warning has been in place for parts of western Maryland until 1pm Tuesday for the potential for freezing rain and a wintry mix.
“This is a large system affecting a large portion of the Northeast,” Johnson said.
So, when is the best time to hit the road?
Johnson said waiting until the weather calms down and leaving on Wednesday wouldn’t be a bad idea.
“On Wednesday, the only concern we have is some gusty winds,” 7News meteorologist Brian Van De Graaf said.
Make travel plans
Tens of millions are expected to drive for the Thanksgiving holiday, meaning severe traffic jams are likely to greet drivers as they hit the roads.
According to AAA, nearly 50 million Americans will get behind the wheel this week, an increase of nearly 2% over last year. More than 1.25 million people in the D.C. area will hit the roads over Thanksgiving weekend, making it the second-highest number since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000.
The worst and busiest time to leave for Thanksgiving will be Wednesday, November 22, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., AAA said.
For drivers, your best bet to get through the worst of the traffic is to leave early in the morning or late at night.
“Leaving at an inopportune time usually increases your odds of having a good time,” said Dave Dildin, WTOP Traffic reporter. “You will find the roads beautiful and quiet.”
For those traveling by plane, TSA recommends arriving two hours early for domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
Climate prediction
Tuesday:Rainfall areasHeights: 40 to 50 seconds by eveningWind: East 10-20 mphThe rain expands in the morning and turns into widespread and beneficial rain during the afternoon and evening hours. With holiday travel increasing, plan to travel slowly on local roads. Although flood risk remains low, most neighborhoods will see 1 to 2 inches of rain.
Tuesday night:Heavy rain, tapers latetemporary: 1950sWind: West 10-20+ mphBands of heavy rain are moving through the area, with the heaviest falling around midnight. The breeze will pick up and temperatures will rise at night.
Wednesday:Mostly sunny, windyHeights: 1950sWind: NW 15 – 20 mph, reaching 30 mphThe remaining rain ends early in the day, and skies become mostly sunny with brisk northwesterly winds.
Thursday/Thanksgiving:Mostly sunnyHeights: 1950sWind: NW 5-15 mphGreat sun and highs in the 50s will make vacation travel easy.
Present states or current states
WTOP’s Nick Ianelli and Neil Augenstein contributed to this report.
