Historic US Winter Storm Grounds 10,000+ Flights, Crippling Major Airports

A powerful winter storm battered the United States on Sunday, January 25. The storm dumped heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain and sleet across vast regions. This created a commercial aviation disruption not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

More than 10,800 US flights were canceled on Sunday alone. This followed over 4,000 cancellations on Saturday. Total flight cancellation statistics exceeded 16,000 from Saturday through Monday. The sheer scale of the US winter storm cancellations severely impacted air travel nationwide.

Major US Airports Affected by Travel Chaos

The storm caused Northeast travel chaos, hitting key hubs the hardest. Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) canceled all departing flights. Cancellations topped 90% at LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Other major US airports affected included JFK, Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), and Charlotte (CLT). These airports saw cancellations exceeding 80% of their Sunday schedules.

Airline Operational Challenges

Major carriers had to preemptively cancel thousands of flights. This was done to ensure safety amid snow and ice. American Airlines canceled over 55% of its Sunday schedule. Delta Air Lines, Southwest, and United Airlines also grounded hundreds to thousands of flights. The widespread grounding of planes creates significant airline operational challenges.

This includes crew displacement and aircraft repositioning. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) actively managed air traffic flow. The agency urged carriers to scale back schedules to mitigate cascading delays. Airlines responded by issuing travel waivers for affected passengers.

Widespread Infrastructure Impact

The storm stretched roughly 2,000 miles, affecting nearly 180 million people. Beyond the 10,000 flights canceled, the storm caused massive infrastructure failures. Over 1 million homes and businesses lost power.

Power Grid Strain and Recovery

Tennessee was the hardest hit state. At least 330,000 customers were without electricity. Mississippi and Louisiana each had over 100,000 outages. Ice accumulation, in some areas up to three-quarters of an inch, weighed down power lines.

This intense ice caused severe power grid strain across multiple regions. Officials warned that restoration efforts could take days or even weeks. The US Department of Energy issued emergency orders. These orders allowed grid operators to deploy backup resources to prevent blackouts.

Lingering Cold and Recovery Outlook

Forecasters predict that heavy snow will continue into the Northeast. New England could face up to 18 inches of snow. Even after the storm passes, temperatures are expected to remain bitterly cold. This will prevent snow and ice from melting quickly. The prolonged cold will extend hazardous travel conditions and infrastructure impacts. The storm’s economic hit is estimated to exceed US$300 million. It highlights the fragility of U.S. aviation infrastructure, including de-icing capacity.

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