Travel Plans Disrupted as Severe Weather Conditions Hit the US
Extreme weather conditions on both American coasts and extending into the Midwest have caused a serious interruption to the travel plans of many. This has happened during a particularly busy period post-holidays when a large number of Americans are returning home.
By last Friday afternoon, over 1,600 flights across the country were canceled due to the weather. One airline company had the highest number of cancellations on Friday, exceeding 200. Another major airline company followed closely behind.
Major Airports Feel the Impact
The three main airports in New York City - LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark - were significantly affected by the disruptions. The weather forecast predicted as much as 9 inches of snow in these areas. Airports in Detroit, Philadelphia, and Boston also experienced cancellations and delays.
Moreover, intense rainfall, mudslides, and flooding have led to road closures in California. The Great Lakes region also braces for accumulating ice, adding to the chaos.
Busy Travel Time of the Year
This disruption comes at one of the busiest travel times of the year. It was predicted that a record number of Americans would travel at least 50 miles from their homes during the period from December 20 to January 1. This projection was 2% higher than the previous year.
The increased flooding, blizzards, snow, and ice have become particularly problematic because more travelers were predicted to drive instead of flying this year. It was estimated that about 109.5 million Americans would drive for their holiday plans, while around 8 million were expected to fly.
Airlines Respond to Weather Disruptions
In response to the disruptions, one airline company revealed that it had to cancel around 350 flights between Friday and Saturday, mostly in the Northeast. They assured that they are helping affected customers with rescheduling.
Another airline company has issued a weather waiver to provide the utmost flexibility to its customers. It also took the precaution of reducing its schedule in advance to minimize disruption once the storm hits. Another airline made schedule adjustments primarily in the Northeast, specifically at New York’s LaGuardia airport and in Baltimore.
La Niña Brings Extreme Weather
The severe weather conditions are occurring in conjunction with the return of La Niña, a weather pattern characterized by the cooling of Pacific waters, known to cause global disruptions and trigger disasters.
One weather expert pointed out that La Niña winters are infamous for their volatility, and this holiday season offers no exception. The expert added that weather models have been struggling to keep up with the constant changes and variations in the forecast.