Thousands of flights canceled and delayed as winter storm hits the country

This Wednesday thousands of flights were delayed or canceled due to a severe winter storm that affected much of the country and this situation could extend throughout the week if the weather continues.

According to online flight tracker FlightAware, there have been more than 5,000 delays and at least 1,600 cancellations of travel within, into or out of the United States and the numbers could continue to rise.

According to CBS News, most of Wednesday's delays and cancellations were concentrated especially at airports in the West and Midwest. However, the National Weather Service reported that almost the entire country would be experiencing some "remarkable weather".

The Federal Aviation Administration explained that all this week there could be problems with flights both in Minnesota and the other Great Lakes and Southern Plain states.

Airlines such as Southwest, United, Delta and American Airlines, have already issued winter weather waivers this week, meaning no penalty will be charged for flight changes or cancellations.

Minnesota Emergency

In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz decided to declare a "peacetime emergency" precisely because of the winter storm the country is having to deal with.

"In past storms of this severity, dangerous conditions have threatened life and property, stranding vehicles, causing power outages, and straining public safety resources. The resources of affected local and county governments will be inadequate to meet the demands caused by the coming severe winter weather conditions," Walz's statement said.

The governor also said that with this decision they are preparing for power outages and will be able to keep the roads open and move emergency vehicles with the help of the National Guard, the police and the Department of Transportation.