Delta has preemptively cancelled flights in five states ahead of a winter storm that’s expected to wreak havoc across a large swath of the United States.
The airline announced the news Thursday, January 22, and noted that passengers will be automatically rebooked on the next-best itinerary as quick as possible. Impacted customers can also make changes to their travel plans on Delta.com.
In addition to cancelling some flights, Delta is sending additional support to airports in Atlanta, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; Huntsville, Alabama; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Nashville, Tennessee.
Winter Storm Warnings Have Been Issued for 30 States
Forecasts currently predict a mixture of freezing rain, sleet and ice accumulation across much of the area the airline services, including Texas and the Southeast, where Delta’s hub in Atlanta is based, as well as in the Northeast.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for 30 states ahead of the impending weather event. The Southeast may see levels of snow and ice that the region has not encountered potentially in decades, as well as widespread freezing rain.
“Widespread freezing rain and sleet are expected south of the primary snow axis, crippling portions of the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley on Friday,” the NWS explained. “Significant and damaging ice accumulations are likely, with the potential for long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions. Dangerous ice and sleet impacts shift east into parts of the Southeast, Tennessee Valley and Mid-Atlantic this weekend.”
The NWS also warned: “Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees and topple utility poles and communication towers. Ice can disrupt communications and power for days while utility companies repair extensive damage. Even small accumulations of ice can be extremely dangerous to motorists and pedestrians. Bridges and overpasses are particularly dangerous because they freeze before other surfaces.”
There are additional concerns about the impact freezing rain and ice may have on several states. Experts have warned people may be without power for hours at a time, and are encouraging everyone to take as many precautions as possible. Stocking up on necessary supplies is also highly encouraged.
The list of impacted states includes West Virginia, Texas, Arizona, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Kentucky, New Mexico, Alabama, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Louisiana, Arkansas, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, New York, Indiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Colorado, Michigan, Montana and Vermont, and at least 150 million people.
Related: Grocery Stores Face Empty Shelves as Shoppers Brace for Historic Winter Storm
