Cars and tractor-trailers travel Interstate 80 / Route 11 in Austintown Tuesday afternoon.

WARREN — Motorists are encouraged to use extra caution today as high winds mix with busy holiday traffic.

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a wind advisory effective at 10 a.m. today until 4 a.m. Thanksgiving, as gusts could reach up to 50 mph in both Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

According to 21-WFMJ meteorologist Eric Wilhelm, temperatures will peak around midday today near 60 and fall quickly in the afternoon as the front moves in.

Average wind gusts will range between 40 to 50 mph, with the possibility of power outages in the afternoon and evening, Wilhelm said.

The storm is set to line up with what is anticipated to be the busiest holiday travel event in years.

According to AAA, 2.3 million people are expected to travel through Sunday in Ohio, while 55 million will drive to their destinations across the nation, marking the most traffic since 2005 due to a “strong economy” and “steady gas prices.”

The Youngstown-Warren gas average price as of Tuesday afternoon was $2.46 per gallon, and a state average of $2.44 per gallon was reported by AAA.

HIGHWAY TRAFFIC

Officials with the Ohio Department of Transportation said Tuesday that during Thanksgiving week, the state sees a 63 percent increase in traffic, with peak commuting expected to occur between 3 and 4 p.m. Wednesday, right when the wind storm is expected to blast through the area.

Motorists should also plan for delays due to holiday traffic coinciding with the normal daily rush hour, ODOT said.

Mahoning and Trumbull counties do not have ongoing state construction projects over the holiday, but drivers should avoid distractions and also watch for deer, specifically in less-populated areas.

In addition to monitoring the roadways and weather, motorists should also consider their party plans.

Brad Bucey, lieutenant for the Ohio State Highway Patrol post in Canfield, said the day before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest drinking days of the year.

He added that motorists should make arrangements if they are going to meet up with friends and family and may end up drinking.

“We have enough Ubers and car services that if you are going to participate in alcohol, make sure you plan ahead and get a sober driver,” he said.

Bucey also suggested those driving a longer distance should keep an additional phone charger, extra blanket, water and snacks in case they get stranded.

Drivers that start to feel tired should stop for coffee or pull over and get rest, he added. “Pay attention. Driving is the No. 1 task” when traveling by vehicles, he added.

Due to the influx of traffic, more troopers will be patrolling the roadways, Bucey said.

TURNPIKE TRAVEL

A spokesperson for the Ohio Turnpike said Tuesday that 705,000 motorists are projected to hit the toll roads between Wednesday and Sunday, traveling more than 48 million miles.

While no restrictions were in place as of Tuesday afternoon, the weather will be monitored to determine if a travel ban should be put in place, pertaining only to certain commercial vehicles and trailers.

Across the state line in Pennsylvania, approximately 3.6 million vehicles are anticipated to use the Pennsylvania Turnpike from Tuesday through Sunday, according to the Turnpike’s website.

All lanes in each direction are expected to stay open with additional law enforcement and maintenance crews patrolling the toll road.

afox@tribtoday.com