Winter Storm Grounds U.S. Flights as Cancellations Surge
Winter Storm Grounds U.S. Flights as Cancellations Surge
Massive winter storm sidelined thousands of flights and sparked widespread power outages, forcing travelers to rethink plans across the United States.
A monster winter storm has snarled travel across the United States, with airports grounding tens of thousands of flights and rerouting passengers. Early weekend tallies put cancellations in the tens of thousands, including reports of about 14,000 flights canceled over the weekend and more than 9,000 on Sunday alone, leaving travelers scrambling for new options.
Power outages affected hundreds of thousands of customers, with around 180,000 in the dark Sunday morning, including tens of thousands in Texas and Louisiana. The National Weather Service warned of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain stretched from New Mexico to New England, with more frigid days ahead and slow melt.
Officials responded with emergency declarations in multiple states, FEMA pre-positioning supplies and personnel, and Homeland Security urging people to stay home if possible. Airlines waived change fees and offered rebooking options, though compensation for meals or lodging isn't guaranteed.
Travelers faced long lines and stranded plans as crews work to restore power and reopen runways. The storm's reach and lingering conditions suggest recovery will take days, with airports advising flexibility.
In many communities, the disruption is a reminder of how weather can ripple through the economy and daily life, underscoring the need for preparedness.
