It should be another record-setting year for holiday road trips, AAA predicts, with 122.4 million Americans venturing at least 50 miles from home.
Why it matters: Peak holiday traffic and unpredictable winter weather could collide on Washington roads this season, increasing the risk of longer delays and more dangerous conditions.
Driving the news: AAA warns the busiest travel days will be the Saturday–Tuesday before Christmas and the Friday–Tuesday ahead of New Year's.
Friday, Dec. 26 is expected to be especially busy as post-holiday return trips begin.
State of play: AAA Washington recommends leaving early in the day and arriving at airports, ferry terminals and other travel hubs well ahead of schedule due to longer lines and congestion.
Washington State Ferries expects 700,000 passengers from Dec. 19-31, and advises taking early-morning or late-night sailing or using transit to walk or bike onto the ferry.
More than 2.5 million travelers are expected at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport between Dec. 18–Jan. 4, a 3% increase over last year.