Sloppy Weather Set to Gum Up Holiday Travel Plans

Millions of American families are packing up and preparing to brave the roads and airports this week. But in this final countdown to Christmas, weather could affect those travel plans.

Drivers trying to make their way to California for the holidays could face some trouble if their route takes them across the nation's heartland or through the Rockies.

Blizzard and winter weather warnings are in effect in those areas as a powerful storm makes its way through.

And for much of the East, it looks like a wet Christmas, not a white one.

A mix of drenching rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and fog will converge on the East and Midwest on Wednesday.

"I wouldn't characterize it as a travel nightmare, but there's going to be delays," AccuWeather meteorologist Max Golembo said.

If you're still dreaming of a white Christmas, however, head north.

On Christmas Eve, a powerful storm is expected to deliver heavy snow and winds to the upper Midwest, including Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis.

AAA is expecting more than 98 million Americans to travel 50 miles or more the holiday season.