A late winter storm has caused widespread flight cancellations and delays across the eastern US as powerful winds combined with a partial government shutdown affecting TSA workers. According to FlightAware, there have been over 4,763 flights canceled and more than 9,100 delayed.
Key Takeaways
A late winter storm has caused widespread flight cancellations and delays across the eastern US, affecting over 4,763 flights canceled and more than 9,100 delayed. The storm system dropped up to 36 inches of snow in the Midwest before hitting the East Coast with dangerously high winds and potential tornadoes.
- Over 4,763 flights canceled and more than 9,100 delayed due to winter storm
- Storm system brought heavy snow to Midwest and high winds to East Coast
- Partial government shutdown affecting TSA workers exacerbates air travel disruptions
- Travelers express frustration as they face unexpected cancellations and longer security lines
- Power outages reported in several states with over 210,000 utility customers affected
The National Weather Service warned of dangerous high winds and potential tornadoes from Pennsylvania to South Carolina. The storm system dropped up to 36 inches of snow in the Midwest before hitting the East Coast with dangerously high winds and the potential for severe thunderstorms. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Adam Douty described it as a massive storm impacting more than 200 million people, from blizzard conditions in the Midwest to severe thunderstorms across the East.
The disruptions come at an already challenging time for air travel due to a partial government shutdown affecting only the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This is the third shutdown in less than a year to leave TSA workers temporarily without pay. Some airports have reported longer security lines because of staffing shortages as more TSA workers take on second jobs or leave the profession altogether.
Air travelers expressed frustration and inconvenience due to unexpected cancellations. Kelly Price, trying to return home from Florida, found herself stranded at an airport with her family after their flight was canceled early Monday morning. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered ground stops at major airports like Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
As of Tuesday, more than 550 flights were called off and over 460 delayed according to FlightAware. The storm caused significant disruptions at some of the nation’s largest airports, including those in New York, Chicago, and Atlanta. Danielle Cash found herself stranded in St. Louis while trying to get home to Tampa after a weekend trip to Las Vegas.
The storm's impact extends beyond air travel, affecting transportation across the Midwest and causing power outages in several states. As of Sunday afternoon, more than 210,000 utility customers in six Great Lakes states were without electricity according to PowerOutage.us. The National Weather Service has issued a high-wind warning for most of Nebraska with wind gusts up to 60 mph possible amid falling snow.
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