Thousands in Philadelphia region return from 4th of July travel

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Monday is expected to be among the busiest travel days as many return home after Fourth of July.

Those who are leaving the Jersey Shore in the earlier part Monday lucked out with the weather and less traffic compared to the last couple of days.

"Yeah straight to work," said Carl Forcillo.

From the shore and now back to reality, Forcillo said he drives from Wildwood Crest at the Shore, to the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia.

Forcillo said he avoided the worst of the 4th of July traffic back to Philadelphia since he leaves the Shore on Monday mornings.

"So far so good. It's been moving pretty good," Forcillo said.

AAA said the 4th is always the busiest travel holiday of the summer and that this year more than 800,000 people in the Philadelphia region drove to their destinations.

Severe storms over the weekend made it more difficult for drivers this year.

"Everyone I was texting with said they were in traffic like three hours to get into South Philadelphia," said Karen Macleod.

Karen and Frank Macleod appear to be having an easier drive than the majority of people who left the shore Sunday.

"It was pretty smooth coming from Sea Isle," said Karen Macleod.

Frank Macleod added, "It's the first time we did it this year where we drove up on a Monday morning. We were expecting it to be worse."

The retirees had time to make a stop and say they'll still make it to the city in time.

"To babysit," Frank Macleod said.

Drivers who leave later in the day on Monday might have to deal with a bit more rain on the drive back.