A record number of Americans are traveling this Fourth of July weekend, and South Florida drivers are experiencing heavy traffic combined with challenging weather conditions. Friday's rain made for difficult driving on the Florida Turnpike heading south of Orlando. Driver Ed Budd said the weather was beautiful until it started raining, at which point "everyone forgets how to drive." AAA estimates 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, July 5, marking an all-time high for the holiday. Of that total, 61.4 million are making the trip by car.
Orlando and Miami rank among the top five travel destinations this Independence Day, according to AAA. Some drivers reported smooth conditions on Friday, like Carlos Borras, who made the round trip between Orlando and Miami and said he saw no traffic, accidents or delays. Others, including driver Fernando Amado, described very busy roads, especially with the weather. For those still planning to travel, AAA recommends leaving after 3 p.m. on Saturday or before 11 a.m. on Sunday to avoid peak congestion. The heaviest traffic is expected between 10 a.m. on Saturday and between noon and 6 p.m. on Sunday.