Rain shouldn’t hinder holiday travelers, says AAA

A little rain is in the Thanksgiving holiday forecast, but it shouldn't be enough to interfere with travel plans, officials said yesterday.

Brief showers tomorrow and Thanksgiving day east of the Blue Ridge Mountains probably will total a quarter-inch or less, the National Weather Service said.

"The rain shouldn't be too bad," said Lyle Alexander, a weather service meteorologist. The mountains may get some snow but probably not any significant accumulation, Alexander said.

The rain isn't expected to deter travelers, said Windy VanCuren, a spokeswoman for the travel organization AAA Mid-Atlantic.

"People want to see their families," she said.

AAA expects the number of Virginians traveling by car, bus, train and airplane during the Wednesday-through-Sunday holiday to increase about 3 percent over last year.

About 1.5 million Virginians are expected to be traveling 50 miles or more from home, and the large majority will be driving, AAA says.

The organization believes travelers are getting back to normal after cutting back on trips a year ago because of the recession.

"I think people are just tired of pushing off their vacation because of the economy," VanCuren said.

She suggested that if you're traveling in rain, drive slower than normal and leave plenty of space between your car and others.

Contact Rex Springston at (804) 649-6453 or .