Mar 16 • 22:23 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Thousands of flights canceled as winter storm marches across US

A severe winter storm across the US has led to thousands of flight cancellations and delays at major airports due to strong winds and heavy snowfall.

A significant winter storm is sweeping across the eastern United States, resulting in widespread travel disruptions with more than 4,763 flight cancellations and over 9,112 delays reported by FlightAware. Major airports in cities like New York, Chicago, and Atlanta have been particularly hard hit, with travelers struggling to navigate the delays exacerbated by a partial government shutdown which has further complicated airport security procedures.

The storm has caused extreme weather conditions, including heavy snowfall of up to 36 inches in the Midwest, followed by dangerously high winds as it pushed towards the east coast. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for severe weather capable of producing strong and long-track tornadoes. Areas at risk include southern Pennsylvania, central South Carolina, Washington DC, Baltimore, Richmond, and Raleigh, which face a combination of snow, wind, and potential tornadic activity, raising significant safety concerns.

As the storm continues to advance, the potential for severe weather remains alarming. Weather forecasts indicate that conditions may worsen, creating further challenges for those traveling during this late winter event. The ongoing disruptions not only affect passengers but also have broader implications for logistics and safety across the transportation network in large urban areas.

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