Storms Slam Midwest, Ground Flights Across the U.S.
Storms Slam Midwest, Ground Flights Across the U.S.
Storms sweep the Midwest and East, canceling over 1,000 flights and delaying thousands more as airports brace for continued disruption nationwide.
Air travelers across the United States faced ongoing upheaval as a powerful storm system lingered, snarling schedules from the Midwest to the East. More than 1,000 U.S. flights were canceled and about 4,200 were delayed on Tuesday, according to FlightAware. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport led the way in cancellations, with over 200 flights scrapped and roughly 450 delayed.
The disruptions follow a tumultuous Monday that saw even wider chaos: more than 4,800 flights canceled and delays totaling around 12,800 nationwide. Chicago O’Hare International Airport alone canceled about 600 flights, while New York-area hubs also faced heavy impacts, with LaGuardia canceling roughly 450 flights as wind gusts neared 50 mph in parts of New York.
The weather upheaval comes as security staffing thins due to a partial government shutdown, at times slowing checkpoints and extending wait times. Airports are also crowded with spring-break travelers and fans heading to March Madness events, complicating efforts to clear backlogs.
Travelers are urged to monitor flight status channels, rebook if needed, and allow extra time at check-in and security. Airlines have begun working to replan schedules, but disruptions may continue as crews and resources are redeployed to recover from the backlog.
