Storms, extreme heat, and wildfire risks are disrupting record-breaking Fourth of July travel, causing flight delays, road congestion, and safety warnings.

AAA Travel expects a record high of approximately 72.2 million people traveling at least 50 miles from home over the Fourth of July weekend.

With the Fourth of July falling on a Friday, Americans are taking advantage of the long weekend. AAA estimates 72 million people are traveling at least 50 miles for the holiday, which is 1.7 million more than last year.

July 4, also known as Independence Day, marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the 13 North American colonies officially separated from Great Britain. As the Fourth of July draws nearer, here's a brief rundown of what happened that day in 1776, approximately 249 years ago.

Government offices, post offices, courts, and schools are closed for the Fourth of July in the U.S. U.S. stock markets and banks are also closed, with limited FedEx and UPS services