Marylanders Reach Their Destinations Despite Storms Upending Holiday Travel On East Coast
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Winter weather strokes. The Baltimore area saw its first burst of snowflakes just one day ahead of Thanksgiving. This is after heavy rain soaked the area Tuesday and the first part of Wednesday.
Kai Jackson has more.
Drivers battled rain-slicked roads around Maryland on Wednesday. With a constant flow of traffic, Marylanders---like other Americans---were anxious to get to their Thanksgiving day destinations.
"I just hope that everybody can be with their families and stay safe and eat some good food," said Leslie Wells.
The US Bureau of Transportation Statistics says ridership on Amtrak is up 5.35% over the last three years. Amtrak says extra staff is in place to keep things moving for the holiday.
"And the Thanksgiving holiday period is the busiest travel week of the year. Last year, we did set a record with 737,000 passengers traveling through the Thanksgiving period," said Christina Leeds, Amtrak Media Relations.
WJZ spoke with people who have been traveling for the holidays. They say the roads have been congested and the weather is partly to blame.
"It took me five hours with the roads. It was raining and it was a mess and it was congested so it wasn't that much fun," said Courtney Smith.
A blast of winter weather hit the East Coast. For travelers, it meant gridlock, bumper to bumper traffic, slick roads and even accidents. Yet the goal for travelers was to arrive safely and spend time with family and friends.
"Today is my mom's birthday and she's in the kitchen cookin' up a big meal for everybody," said Keisha Oliver. "Happy birthday, Mommy! I love you!"
Experts say it's a good idea to keep apprised of road conditions and delays when you travel.
WASHINGTON REAGAN NATIONAL AND DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
Other Local News:
