Holiday travel rush snarls airports and roads as millions head home

Millions of Americans are hitting the road and skies as the holiday travel rush continues, with severe weather and extreme heat playing a major role in delays and disruptions across the country.

Reporting from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, NBC News correspondent Maggie Vespa described long TSA security lines stretching hundreds of feet through the terminal as travelers tried to make their way home following the holiday weekend.

Officials with the Transportation Security Administration warned that this year’s July 4 travel period is shaping up to be one of the busiest in nearly 15 years, with nearly 3 million passengers screened in a single day and even higher numbers expected as the weekend winds down.

Adding to the strain are severe storms and potential flooding in parts of the eastern United States, contributing to a growing number of flight delays and cancellations nationwide. Airlines are urging passengers to monitor flight status closely and use mobile apps for faster rebooking if needed.

On the roads, congestion is also expected to be heavy, with tens of millions of drivers extending holiday trips or returning to work. Travel experts recommend driving during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the worst traffic.

Despite the challenges, gas prices are trending lower nationwide, averaging around $3.80 per gallon. Some of the lowest prices are being reported in Texas, Oklahoma, and Indiana, offering a small relief for travelers finishing up their holiday journeys.

Officials say the combination of high demand, weather impacts, and return-to-work traffic will likely keep travel conditions difficult through the remainder of the day.