Major U.S. Airport Cancels Hundreds of Flights Amid Severe Snowstorm
Several states in the Midwest have been slammed with snow this weekend, creating travel problems on the ground and in the air.
As of Sunday morning, one of the region's busiest airports, Minneapolis-St. Paul International in Minnesota, has already seen more than 600 incoming and departing flights cancelled due to the weather, with more sure to be called off as the day unfolds.
Bad news for Minneapolis travelers
According to the live tracking site FlightAware, 328 flights exiting and 295 flights entering Minneapolis have been cancelled as of 9:50 a.m. ET, a total of 623 cancellations altogether.
Another report from Phil Pina of The Minnesota Star Tribune puts the cancellation figure at 640.
"Fake spring came to an end as snow arrived at MSP Saturday evening," the official Minneapolis St. Paul airport Instagram account said Sunday. "Airlines have canceled more than 450 flights to and from MSP on Sunday. Please check with your airline for the latest flight information. Stay safe!"
Chicago O'Hare has had the second-most total cancellations, per FlightAware,with 144, followed by Chicago Midway with 104.
Delta announced mass Minneapolis cancellations this weekend
In advance of the coming snow, Delta Airlines said Friday it was halting many of its scheduled flights in and out of Minneapolis over the weekend.
“Due to significant forecasted snow and winds in the Midwest, Delta has implemented cancellations for airports in the Midwest, including Delta’s Minneapolis-St. Paul hub, for Saturday through Sunday,” Delta announced on Friday night. “Customers whose travel takes them to, from, or through affected airports are encouraged to proactively adjust their plans outside the anticipated weather window using the flexible rebooking options available to them.”
No respite from storm Sunday
Winter storm and blizzard warnings remain in effect throughout the state of Minnesota Sunday, says the National Weather Service.
"Travel conditions will continue to deteriorate today," the NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen office said. "Despite the snow tapering off gradually this afternoon, northwest winds will increase to 30 to 40 mph. Some gusts near 60 mph are expected across the Minnesota River Valley. The combination of falling snow, blowing snow, and gusty winds will reduce visibility and create blizzard conditions into tonight."
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has been advising residents not to travel and also said it was preparing for possible and road closures.
“Although no road closures are planned at this time, MnDOT offices are prepared for interstate and highway closures if necessary,” the agency reported.