Today's arrival of the storm means potential travel delays on the road and in the air.
Today's arrival of the predicted Thanksgiving week nor'easter means potential travel delays on the road and in the air, officials say.
At Lehigh Valley International Airport, Executive Director Charles R. Everett Jr. advises "all air travelers to check with the airline in advance of leaving their homes on the status of their flights.
"In some cases, if the Lehigh Valley is not experiencing harsh weather, connecting hubs or other airports may be, so check prior to departing," he said today in a statement.
The National Weather Service says a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain arriving this afternoon is forecast to give way to rain overnight as warmer air moves in. Before the changeover, up to one-tenth of an inch of ice is possible, especially in higher elevations; untreated roads can be expected to be slippery, the service says.
Heavy rainfall, with 2 to 4 inches possible, is forecast into Wednesday morning, and a wind advisory warns of gusts of 30 to 40 mph inland and as high as 50 mph closer to the New Jersey coastline.
"The timing of this storm will impact Thanksgiving holiday travel," the weather service said today. "Travel conditions will deteriorate Tuesday afternoon as strong onshore winds and rain move into the region. These conditions will persist into daytime Wednesday, improving later Wednesday night."
On the roads, New Jersey State Police and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offered a pretrip safety checklist but urge drivers to make sure to allow additional time to reach their destination.
State police in New Jersey and Pennsylvania also say they are stepping up patrols looking for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted and aggressive drivers and unbelted occupants, especially children.
“It doesn't matter if you’re driving five minutes up the road or through several states, the basics of safety remain the same,” Col. Rick Fuentes, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said today in a statement. “Troopers and other law enforcement officers will have zero tolerance for those who create dangers on the roads.”
New Jersey State Police also offer the following checklist of travel-safety tips:
- Make sure your cellphone is fully charged.
- Carry a flashlight with new batteries.
- Bring bottles of water and snacks such as protein bars.
- Insist that all vehicle occupants use seat belts.
- Don’t drive drowsy. The symptoms of driving tired are similar to those of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Make sure you get enough rest. Use service areas to pull over, stretch your legs or grab a cup of coffee.
- Steer clear of “road ragers.” Challenging an aggressive driver for a position is a dangerous way to get to your destination a few seconds sooner.
- Use a designated driver if alcohol figures into your Thanksgiving plans.
- Prepare before you drive. Map your route, fill your tank and check your tire pressure, lights and wiper blades. These simple steps may save you more than just time on the highways.