Holiday Travelers Face Extended Commute Times

Nov. 21, 2007 — -- As nearly 40 million Americans hit the roads and begin their holiday trek, many will find the journey won't be smooth sailing.

Across the country, travel delays are expected because of construction and weather, especially fog. On both coasts and parts of the South including deep into the heart of Texas, the highways today are covered in thick fog, limiting visibility.

"Driving through fog is like driving through a cloud on the highway," said AAA national public affairs director Mike Pina.

In order to avoid fog-related accidents, AAA has some important tips.

Slowing down may be easy because lengthy car lines likely won't allow drivers to move quickly. Things like the summer's bridge collapse in Minneapolis still have an effect and already have worsened traffic around the area.

In Miami, 21 construction projects will likely slow down travelers. But the eastern part of the country won't be the only part seeing delays.

In Seattle, travel times are expected to double and in San Francisco officials estimate the traffic will cost commuters $1,000 in lost wages.

Other potential problems include thunderstorms threatening the region beginning from the Ohio Valley to Texas, while snow in the Rockies and unseasonably warm weather are expected in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, according to the National Weather Service.

The Northeast will have a mix of rain, snow and freezing rain moving across it, with winter storm watches in effect for northern New England.