Key Takeaways
- A winter storm is causing travel disruptions across the central and northern Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes regions
- Winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect from South Dakota to portions of Ohio, with up to 8 inches of snow already reported in some areas
- Over 800 flights were cancelled and 500 delayed at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Saturday
- The storm is expected to spread to the East Coast on Tuesday, bringing heavy snow to the northern mid-Atlantic and New England, and heavy rain to the Southeast
- Travelers are advised to stay off the roads and check flight status before traveling
Introduction to the Winter Storm
A winter storm is creating travel headaches for millions of people making their way home from the Thanksgiving holiday. The storm, which is affecting the central and northern Plains, will spread to the Midwest and Great Lakes regions over the weekend, bringing "widespread heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions," according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect from South Dakota to portions of Ohio, with the storm already dropping up to 8 inches of snow in some places since Thursday.
Travel Disruptions and Delays
The storm is causing significant travel disruptions, with over 800 flights cancelled and 500 delayed at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Saturday, according to FlightAware. Nearly 82 million people were estimated to travel at least 50 miles for the holiday, with 6 million expected to travel by plane, according to AAA. Car crashes related to the winter storm were also reported, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigating at least nine crashes in the central part of the state. Officials are warning travelers to stay off the roads, with the Missouri Department of Transportation advising people to delay travel in the heaviest weather-impacted areas if possible.
Weather Forecast and Expected Conditions
The NWS is warning of "snowfall rates exceeding 1"/hour, especially through the day Saturday, leading to storm total accumulations between 6-12 inches. The combination of heavy snow rates along with gusty winds will create dangerous travel conditions due to limited visibility and snow-covered roadways. While the northern and central U.S. will have snow and icy conditions on Saturday into Sunday, parts of Texas and Louisiana could experience heavy rain and risks of isolated flooding. A new storm system forecast to develop on Monday will spread to the East Coast on Tuesday, bringing heavy snow to the northern mid-Atlantic and New England, including Pennsylvania and Maine, and heavy rain to the Southeast.
Impact on Air Travel and Software Upgrades
The winter storm is also coinciding with disruptions caused by mandatory software upgrades to Airbus A320 aircraft. Airbus told airlines to take immediate action to upgrade the software, warning there could be an issue with flight controls. The Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency directive requiring airlines using A320s to upgrade the software before the planes can fly again. The upgrade must be completed by 12:01 a.m. Sunday. Several airlines, including American and United, have begun upgrading software in affected aircraft and are working to minimize flight delays. NWS meteorologist Andrew Orrison advised that Monday will be the best day for those traveling home from the holiday, as Tuesday’s travel conditions are expected to be worse due to widespread rainfall and snowfall.
Conclusion and Travel Advice
In conclusion, the winter storm is causing significant travel disruptions across the country, with millions of people affected by flight cancellations, delays, and hazardous road conditions. Travelers are advised to stay off the roads and check flight status before traveling. The storm is expected to spread to the East Coast on Tuesday, bringing heavy snow and rain to various regions. It is essential to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and travel advisories to ensure a safe and smooth journey. By planning ahead and taking necessary precautions, travelers can minimize the impact of the winter storm and arrive at their destinations safely.