Weather alert and travel delays

Travelers at airports such as Reagan National in Washington might be in for a long weekend.

Craig Johnson
Special to CNN

A major wintry storm heading for the Northeast may cause chaos for weekend travelers and Christmas shoppers.

A winter storm warning was in effect for East Coast metropolitan areas including Washington; Baltimore, Maryland; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service.

Gregg Laskoski, managing director of public relations for AAA Auto Club South, said road safety is key during inclement weather.

"At this time of year, we're finding that there's the potential for early morning fog. It's important to use their low beams, not the high beams, because the fog's moisture can reflect the light back into their eyes," Laskoski said.

FAA: Check air travel delays here...

DOT: Check Road delays here...

Keep Reading for the latest details on the storm...