AAA predicts record Fourth of July travel amid strike and severe weather

(CNN, KYMA/KECY) - AAA predicts a record-setting Independence Day vacation period, and, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects more than 32 million people will travel by air.

On Monday, it's giving details on how it's handling the massive volume of travelers. The crowds come amid severe weather and a canadian aircraft mechanics strike.

This Fourth of July travel period could be record-setting. AAA's forecast covers June 29 through July 7. It predicts more than 70 million Americans will go 50 or more miles from home during that time. That would be the most ever for this holiday.

AAA expects most people to travel by vehicle, but TSA says it expects to screen more than 32 million passengers from June 27 through July 8.

The agency says the summer as a whole might set a new record and Independence Day tends to be when that travel peaks.

"This summer's travel season began Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day. TSA is prepared for the highest traveler volumes that our agency has ever seen," said Christine Assili, Deputy Federal Security Advisor, PHL.

Complicating holiday plans for some are an aircraft mechanics strike involving canada's second-largest airline and the weather. That includes heat advisories in these states Monday, more flooding in New Mexico, and the 2024 Atlantic season's first hurricane.

"It certainly has intensified very quickly," said Michael Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

For now, Hurricane Beryl is only a concern for Americans traveling abroad, but Brennan shares what travelers are to expect during their travels.

"We'll have to see if it continues to move more western towards Mexico, maybe makes a bit of a northward turn toward Texas," Brennan explained.