The forecast weather comes as millions of Americans prepare to travel for the holidays.

Americans will experience a record-breaking Thanksgiving travel season this year, but wet and snowy weather in the forecast could put a damper on those plans.

Widespread weather patterns from the Pacific Northwest to Texas are putting travel at risk ahead of the busy Thanksgiving week. All of this comes as AAA predicted that nearly 80 million travelers were expected to leave their homes between Tuesday, November 26 and Monday, December 2.

In Oregon and Northern California, travelers were expected to experience 6 inches of rain and at least 3 inches of snow thanks to a “long-lasting atmospheric river,” which was forecast to begin as early as Monday. NBC News. There was also a chance of snow in parts of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Travelers in the central and southern Plains faced the forecast of rain and thunderstorms, while travelers from northwest Texas through central Oklahoma were threatened by flooding.

Later this week, NBC said a higher-level low-pressure system could develop over the Great Lakes and the Northeast.

The wet forecast comes as 79.9 million travelers are expected to hit the road for Thanksgiving, setting a new record and surpassing pre-pandemic numbers, AAA said. Of these, 71.7 million people are expected to travel by car and more than 5.8 million are expected to fly domestically.

To prepare for potentially less-than-ideal weather (and make it a less stressful vacation), drivers should make sure their car is in top condition, pack the car with emergency winter supplies, and consider installing ski chains or snow tires. .

When flying, travelers should check airline flight advisories — although major airlines have not yet issued any for Thanksgiving week — anticipate potential delays by using airline apps and flight trackers like FlightAware, know their rights if something goes wrong, and consider travel insurance. so that they are not left in the cold.