Travelers should prepare for potential flight disruptions this holiday weekend as the government shutdown continues, a group representing the largest U.S. airlines said Friday.

Air traffic controller shortages this week delayed flights at some U.S. airports, including in Burbank, California, and Nashville, Tennessee.

"It is safe to fly, but ATC staffing shortages strain the system and cause flights to be spaced out, slowing down everything. In some cases, flights may be delayed or even cancelled," said Airlines for America, whose members include Delta Air Lines , United Airlines , American Airlines and others.

Bad weather could also snarl travel over the long weekend. The National Weather Service on Friday issued a flood watch for New York, Long Island, and

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