Winter Storm Cora Disrupts Southeast Travel: Hundreds of Flights Canceled
Winter Storm Cora has caused significant flight cancellations in the Southeast, with Hartsfield-Jackson International and Charlotte Douglas airports facing considerable disruptions. The National Weather Service has issued warnings regarding dangerous snow and ice conditions, with widespread impacts expected. Airlines have issued waivers, and airports are implementing snow removal strategies. Conditions may improve by Saturday.
Winter Storm Cora has advanced eastward, leading to extensive flight disruptions in several southeastern cities. In particular, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) reported 383 flight cancellations on Friday, while Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) experienced 293 cancellations. The National Weather Service informed that a perilous mix of snow and ice has affected regions from Arkansas through Virginia, with Atlanta encountering one to four inches of snowfall and ice accumulations reaching two-tenths of an inch.
The National Weather Service in Atlanta cautioned, “Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages.” The service added that travel conditions may become nearly impossible. In Charlotte, predictions include snow and sleet accumulations of up to two inches, along with ice up to a quarter of an inch. CLT airport is deploying nearly 40 snow removal and de-icing vehicles to maintain operational safety and efficiency. The airport remains open and urges travelers to verify their flight statuses with their respective airlines.
Furthermore, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is still dealing with more than 200 flight cancellations. Several airlines, including Delta, United, American, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, and Alaska Airlines, have issued flight waivers in response to this storm. Notably, American Airlines faces the most significant impact with over 500 cancellations.
Winter Storm Cora’s effects are projected to persist across the Southeast through Friday, affecting areas such as Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Little Rock, Louisville, Memphis, Nashville, and Raleigh. However, according to The Weather Channel, rainfall and snow should cease by Saturday. Currently, only a limited number of flights remain canceled at the airports for Saturday, January 11.
Winter Storm Cora has caused widespread disruptions in air travel across the Southeastern United States. The storm’s progression from Texas to the Southeast has culminated in hundreds of flight cancellations, critically affecting major airports such as those in Atlanta and Charlotte. Weather-related hazards, including significant snow and ice accumulations, have prompted the National Weather Service to issue warnings regarding treacherous travel conditions and potential power outages, indicating the breadth of the storm’s impact on daily life and infrastructure.
In summary, Winter Storm Cora has significantly affected air travel in the Southeast, with major airports experiencing hundreds of flight cancellations and adverse weather conditions persisting. Both Atlanta and Charlotte airports are actively managing the situation by utilizing available resources for snow and ice removal and advising travelers to stay updated on flight statuses. As the storm progresses, it is crucial for individuals in the affected areas to remain informed and exercise caution while traveling.
Original Source: www.travelandleisure.com
