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This winter storm Cora's been rollin' eastward, messin' up hundreds of flights at the big airports.
After Dallas got hit hard earlier this week, now the storm's causin' major headaches all over the Southeast. According to FlightAware, which keeps tabs on flights, Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL) had to cancel 383 flights on Friday. Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) wasn't much better, axing 293 flights.
The weather folks are sayin' there's a nasty mix of snow and ice from Arkansas to Virginia. Atlanta's seein' anywhere from an inch to four inches of snow in some spots, plus about a tenth of an inch of ice.
Atlanta's weather peeps are throwin' out warnings like: "Ice buildin' up on power lines and tree branches could lead to widespread, long-lasting power outages. Travelin' might be a real pain in the ass."
Over in Charlotte, they're expectin' up to two inches of snow and sleet, with a quarter-inch of ice on top.
CLT airport's sayin' they're gonna roll out about 40 vehicles to clear the snow and ice, tryna keep things runnin' smooth and safe.
The airport hit up X with: "As the cold weather rolls in, #CLTairport's gonna stay open and kickin', no matter what. All parking decks and lots will be open too, and we'll treat 'em before the ice and snow hit. We're tellin' passengers to hit up their airlines for the latest flight info before headin' to the airport."
Meanwhile, Dallas Fort Worth International's still scrapping over 200 flights.
A bunch of airlines like Delta, United, American, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, and Alaska are cuttin' folks some slack with travel waivers for the Southeast 'cause of this winter storm.
Texas-based American's got the most cancellations, with over 500 flights grounded.
Storm Cora's expected to keep messin' with the Southeast all day Friday, with cold weather alerts for Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Little Rock, Louisville, Memphis, Nashville, and Raleigh, according to The Weather Channel. The rain and snow should wrap up by Saturday. Right now, there's only a handful of cancellations at Hartsfield-Jackson International and Charlotte Douglas International .
Winter Storm Cora has certainly made its mark on the Southeast, with major airports like Atlanta and Charlotte bearing the brunt of the disruptions. While the storm's impact should lessen by the weekend, the aftermath will continue to affect travelers. If you’re planning to fly in the coming days, ensure you stay updated on weather conditions and flight statuses, and take advantage of any available travel waivers.
Major Flight Disruptions Across the Region
The ongoing impact of Winter Storm Cora has led to significant flight disruptions across the Southeastern United States, with major airports such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) facing the brunt of the chaos. Travelers have found themselves stranded or significantly delayed as airlines scramble to manage the fallout of the storm, which has already caused widespread flight cancellations and delays.
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Hartsfield-Jackson, one of the busiest airports in the world, has been hit hard by the storm. On Friday, January 11, over 383 flights were canceled at ATL, disrupting thousands of passengers’ travel plans. The severe weather, including snow, ice, and freezing rain, created treacherous conditions at the airport, leading to operational delays and dangerous travel conditions on the runways.
The American Airlines hub, in particular, faced significant challenges, as the airline canceled hundreds of flights in response to the icy weather. Passengers were advised to check with airlines for the latest flight statuses before heading to the airport, as conditions on the ground were rapidly changing.
Several airlines, including Delta, United, and Southwest, were also affected, with many offering travel waivers to affected passengers. For travelers stuck at ATL, the airport’s emergency protocols were in full swing, but the situation remained tense as long lines formed at check-in counters and security areas.
Traveler Story: One passenger, Maria Lopez, who was scheduled to fly from ATL to New York City on Delta Airlines, shared her experience of the disruption. “I was here at the airport since 6 AM, and I’m still waiting for an update on my flight. They keep pushing back the departure time. I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it today,” she said, visibly frustrated but staying hopeful.
2. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) also bore the brunt of Winter Storm Cora’s impact. The airport recorded 293 flight cancellations on Friday, January 11, due to snow, sleet, and ice. CLT officials warned travelers that the storm’s icy conditions were making it difficult to clear the runways and manage airport operations effectively.
The airport, known for being a major hub for American Airlines, saw several of the airline's flights grounded. American Airlines alone accounted for a large portion of the cancellations, contributing to the overall chaos at CLT. Alongside American, Delta and Southwest had a significant number of canceled and delayed flights as well.
In a bid to manage the situation, CLT deployed over 40 vehicles to clear the snow and ice from the runways. The airport issued a public statement on its social media account: “#CLTairport remains operational, but please check with your airline for the latest updates. We’re working hard to ensure safe conditions, but delays are expected. Stay informed!”
Traveler Story: John Harrison, a business traveler heading to Chicago for a critical meeting, recounted his ordeal: “I was supposed to leave this morning, but my flight has been delayed multiple times due to the snow and ice. The airline’s staff said they were trying their best, but I’m not sure when I’ll get out. This is causing major disruptions to my schedule.”
3. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Although the storm’s main focus has shifted eastward, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) was also significantly impacted earlier this week. By mid-week, DFW had already canceled more than 200 flights, continuing to face problems with ice accumulation and poor visibility. The situation has been especially tough for those with connecting flights, as delays rippled throughout the entire airport network.
DFW, one of the largest hubs for American Airlines, had to contend with snow and ice that resulted in a reduced capacity for takeoffs and landings. Travelers trying to leave or arrive in Dallas were urged to keep checking with airlines, especially as the weather caused ripple effects for flights in and out of the region.
Traveler Story: Tom Richards, a traveler flying out of DFW to Los Angeles, was stuck in the airport for over 10 hours. “I’ve never had a delay this long. They told us our flight would leave at 4 PM, but now it’s 8 PM and still no updates. They keep saying the ice is the issue. I’m just trying to get home at this point,” he said with a sigh of frustration.
Additional Airports Affected by Winter Storm Cora
While ATL and CLT took the brunt of the disruptions, other airports across the region, including Birmingham International (BHM), Little Rock (LIT), and Louisville (SDF), were also impacted. These airports faced significant delays, cancellations, and ground crew shortages as teams worked to clear runways and ensure safety during the storm.
Airlines including Southwest, JetBlue, and Spirit also reported numerous delays, as the storm’s effects were widespread, with much of the affected region experiencing hazardous travel conditions. While most airports remained open, the number of canceled flights continued to climb throughout the day, and passengers faced challenges in rebooking flights or receiving assistance.
Impact on Airlines and Travel Waivers
Airlines like Delta, United, American, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and Alaska Airlines have been at the forefront of responding to the storm’s impact by offering travel waivers for affected travelers. These waivers, designed to help passengers adjust their plans without incurring additional costs, are a critical part of minimizing the stress and inconvenience caused by flight disruptions.
American Airlines has been hit particularly hard by Winter Storm Cora, with more than 500 flights canceled across the Southeast, especially in the ATL and CLT regions. The airline has worked to rebook affected passengers, but with hundreds of flights canceled, getting rebooked on another flight is not always an option. Travelers have been urged to take advantage of the waivers to adjust their travel dates.
Other airlines, including Delta and JetBlue, have followed suit, offering waivers for flights booked on specific dates and routes. Travelers are advised to visit the airlines’ official websites or customer service departments to confirm the details of their waivers and cancellation policies.
Winter Storm Cora has been one of the most significant weather events affecting the Southeastern U.S. in recent memory. Major airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta and Charlotte Douglas have experienced widespread flight cancellations and delays, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or affected. Despite the storm's powerful impact, airports and airlines have worked diligently to clear runways and assist travelers, though the challenges continue.
As the storm moves eastward and begins to subside, travelers are advised to remain vigilant and check for updates on their flights. For those impacted by delays, the best course of action is to stay in touch with your airline, take advantage of travel waivers, and remain flexible with rebooking.
For the latest travel news and tips on how to navigate disruptions like Winter Storm Cora, be sure to follow TrvAtlas. Stay informed and stay ahead of the storm—our team is dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date travel advice to make your journey smoother.