Staying safe when traveling in winter

Winter travel is safe when you prioritize route flexibility and monitor real-time weather alerts. Always check specific road status reports and government travel advisories 24 hours before departure.

  1. Check regional road status. Never rely solely on general weather apps. Use official government portals like the Department of Transportation (DOT) map in the U.S. or Highways England. Search 'Road conditions [Region]' to find state-run live traffic cameras and closure lists.
  2. Monitor NWS or equivalent alerts. Check the National Weather Service (weather.gov) for 'Winter Storm Watches' versus 'Warnings.' A 'Watch' means conditions are possible; a 'Warning' means severe weather is imminent or occurring.
  3. Audit your vehicle or transport plan. If driving, ensure you have winter tires with the mountain-snowflake symbol. If flying, book only non-stop flights to avoid getting stranded at a connection hub during a localized storm.
  4. Build a 12-hour buffer. If a storm is forecasted, adjust your departure by 12 hours. It is always cheaper to pay a flight change fee or add a hotel night than to be stranded on a closed highway.
How do I know if a road is 'too dangerous'?
If a government agency issues a 'No Travel Advised' order, do not move. Even if your vehicle is capable, emergency services may not be able to reach you if you slide off the road.
What is the best way to track flight cancellations?
Download your airline’s app and enable push notifications for flight status updates. Also, use FlightAware to see if the inbound aircraft for your flight is stuck at another snow-bound airport.