A powerful winter storm sweeping across large parts of the United States has severely disrupted travel, forcing thousands of flight cancellations and delays while making road and rail transport hazardous. Heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and icy conditions have impacted dozens of states, creating widespread chaos for travelers.
Thousands of Flights Cancelled Nationwide
Air travel has been hit hardest as airlines scrambled to manage severe weather conditions. According to aviation data providers, more than 11,000 flights were cancelled in a single day, marking one of the highest cancellation totals in recent years. Thousands more flights were delayed as airports struggled with de-icing operations, reduced visibility and runway closures.
Major airports, including Boston Logan International, Dallas–Fort Worth, New York’s JFK, and Chicago O’Hare,e reported significant disruptions, with some carriers cancelling a large portion of their daily schedules.
Airlines and Airports Under Pressure
Airlines warned passengers to expect ongoing delays as disrupted schedules forced aircraft and crew rotations off track. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued advisories for several major hubs, cautioning that ground stops and air traffic flow restrictions could remain in place until weather conditions improve.
Airlines also offered travel waivers, allowing passengers to rebook flights without additional charges, as recovery efforts continued across the network.
Impact Beyond Air Travel
The storm affected more than just aviation. Snow-covered and icy roads led to hazardous driving conditions, forcing authorities in several states to issue travel warnings. Rail freight and passenger services also reported slowdowns, while parcel delivery companies warned of possible delays.
In addition, hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across the South and Southeast experienced power outages after ice accumulation damaged power lines and infrastructure.
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Slow Recovery Expected
Weather experts cautioned that while conditions may gradually improve, travel disruptions could persist for several days. Airlines face the challenge of repositioning aircraft and crews, while airports work to clear runways and resume normal operations.
Travelers should closely monitor airline updates, allow extra time for their journeys, and prepare for possible last-minute changes as the winter storm continues to disrupt transportation systems across the United States.
