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.
[4:30PM Wed] A major winter storm will continue to affect much of the Lower 48 this evening over the next day or two. Heavy snow, significant icing, and blizzard conditions are possible in portions of the Upper Midwest eastward. pic.twitter.com/wCWUfcx3Tl
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) February 22, 2023
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.
Severe winter weather ❄️ could cause flight delays or cancellations this week in Minnesota & other states in the Great Lakes and southern plains. Remember to check with your airline for your flight status. For airport delays, visit https://t.co/smgdqJN3td. #FlySmart @mspairport https://t.co/K8tMirJhrb
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) February 21, 2023
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.
Dangerously low wind chills will impact much of the northern US over the next couple of days. Staying out of these conditions is best. If you absolutely must venture outdoors in these areas, dress in layers and cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. pic.twitter.com/VPQm1HEUIb
— National Weather Service (@NWS) February 22, 2023
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.
