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The Big Story

Thanksgiving travel to break record amid stormy forecasts

Transportation officials are expecting a new travel record this week as millions of Americans fly and drive for the holidays.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen more than 5 million passengers between Tuesday and Wednesday alone, with almost 3 million more expected to fly out on Sunday.

But the predictions by TSA, which would surpass a previous high-water mark set over the summer, coincide with troubling weather forecasts that could mean gloom for some travelers.

Weather officials have been warning of severe thunderstorms and possible snow that could threaten travel in different parts of the country as the holiday season approaches.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the severe storms could affect flights in the South and the East Coast starting Tuesday.

At the same time, AAA predicts more than 55 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles on the ground starting Wednesday, with Thanksgiving Eve expected to be the busiest day for road travel.

“Two main storm systems are expected to impact the Nation with rain, thunderstorms, and winter weather,” the National Weather Service warned on social media this week, urging travels to keep track of local forecasts before heading out.

Leading up to Turkey Day, the office said heavy rain and strong thunderstorms are predicted to “extend from the Lower Mississippi Valley to the Mid-Atlantic as a storm system progresses toward the East Coast.”

“A wintry mix is possible across New England and the Interior Northeast Tues.-Weds., with heavy snow possible across the higher elevations of New Hampshire and Maine,” it cautioned, while noting forecasts of “moderate to heavy snow” are also expected to hit the northern Rockies this week.

The Hill has more here.

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