Lunar New Year Rush Underway, With Warnings of Traffic, Cold Temperatures
This year's Lunar New Year travel rush is starting, as people crowd the roads to head to their hometowns to spend time with family. Already, there have been some accidents and congestion on the highways.
Lunar New Year Holiday Travel Brings Crowds, Traffic, and Changing Weather
REPORTER:
The excitement is building as this year’s nine-day Lunar New Year holiday kicks off. Already on Sunday, just ahead of the official holiday, people were out in the sunshine enjoying summery weather before the trek back to their hometowns. The good weather plus the long holiday are great for amusement parks — and for businesses that serve people on the move.
Chien Tzu-yu (MANGO ICE VENDOR):
When it’s hot and muggy, there are more people. It’s probably [also] to do with the long holiday.
REPORTER:
But as people pack up and hit the road to their family’s hometowns, it can be a nightmare for drivers. Already on Sunday, there were a few accidents. And the Freeway Bureau predicts that Monday, Lunar New Year’s Eve, will see jams throughout the morning. Most will be on southbound lanes, as northern cities like Taipei empty out for the week.
REPORTER:
It’s not just road conditions people should be watching out for. A shift in the weather is also underway. The Central Weather Administration says that early taste of summer is over—with the north especially turning cold and wet in the next day or two.
Liu Pei-teng (WEATHER FORECASTER):
From Lunar New Year’s Eve to Lunar New Year’s Day the rain will be more apparent. And it could be heavier later on Lunar New Year’s Eve.
REPORTER:
But Taiwan’s most festive time of year is here — and the traffic and weather haven’t spoiled the mood, as people get ready to enjoy over a week of vacation.
