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Don’t start packing up the car just yet. Some nasty weather is headed to the D.C. region ahead of a week of heavy traffic and holiday travel. Here’s what you need to know.
A storm alert is in effect for Tuesday as an upwards of two inches of rain can be expected, according to 7News chief meteorologist Veronica Johnson.
Rain will begin to form around 7 a.m. Tuesday and last through Wednesday morning.
Temperatures will peak in the mid-50s late Tuesday but with areas of moderate to heavy winds gusting over 30 miles per hour, you might need to sport a heavy coat.
A coastal flood warning is in effect for Anne Arundel County, Maryland, per the National Weather Service until 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Gale force winds “especially on the waters surrounding southern Maryland” will last through Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, a winter weather advisory has been posted for parts of western Maryland until 1 p.m. Tuesday for possible freezing rain and wintry mix.
“This is a big system impacting a lot of the Northeast,” Johnson said.
So, when’s the best time to hit the road?
Johnson said it wouldn’t be a bad idea to wait until the weather subsides, and leave on Wednesday.
“Wednesday, the only concern we have are some gusty winds,” said 7News meteorologist Brian van de Graaff.
Tens of millions are expected to drive for the Thanksgiving holiday, and that means intense gridlock will likely greet drivers as they hit the roads.
According to AAA, roughly 50 million Americans will get behind the wheel this week, an increase of nearly 2% compared to last year. More than 1.25 million people in the D.C. region will be hitting the roads over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, making it the second-highest number since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000.
The worst, most congested time to leave for Thanksgiving will be Wednesday, Nov. 22, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., AAA said.
For drivers, the best bet to get around the worst of the traffic is to leave early in the morning or late at night.
“Leaving at an inconvenient time usually maximizes your odds of making good time,” WTOP Traffic reporter Dave Dildine said. “You’ll find the roads are nice and quiet.”
For those who are flying out, the TSA’s recommendation is to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
TUESDAY:Areas of RainHighs: 40s to 50s by eveningWinds: East 10-20 mphMorning showers will expand to widespread, beneficial rain during the afternoon and evening hours. As holiday travel increases, plan for a slow go on local roadways. Although the flood risk remains low, most neighborhoods will see 1 to 2 inches of rain. TUESDAY NIGHT:Heavy Rain, Tapers LateTemps: 50sWinds: West 10-20+ mphHeavy rain bands push across the region, with some of the most intense showers around midnight. Breezy will pick up and temperatures will warm into the night.
WEDNESDAY:Turning Mostly Sunny, WindyHighs: 50sWinds: Northwest 15-20 mph, Gusts to 30 mphLingering showers end early in the day, skies turn mostly sunny with gusty northwesterly winds.
THURSDAY/THANKSGIVING DAY:Mostly SunnyHighs: 50sWinds: Northwest 5-15 mphBrilliant sun and highs in the 50s will make for easy holiday travel.
WTOP’s Nick Iannelli and Neal Augenstein contributed to this report.
