US: Inclement weather causes flight disruptions along East Coast February 6 /update 1

Event

Flight delays and cancelations have been reported at major airports across the East Coast on Thursday, February 6, due to a powerful winter storm that is forecast to impact the area through Friday, February 7. As of approximately 12:30 (local time), Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) (Massachusetts state), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) (New Jersey state), New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) (New York state), and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) (Georgia state) were experiencing delays averaging more than one hour. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) (North Carolina state) was closed at approximately 11:15 on Thursday due to a tornado warning in the area. Operations are expected to resume around 14:00 on Thursday afternoon.

The National Weather Service (NWS) expects 5-10 cm (2-4 in) of rainfall from the Florida Panhandle to New Jersey state through Friday morning, with isolated totals of 10-15 cm (4-6 in) possible in certain areas. Excessive rainfall and severe thunderstorms are also possible in western North Carolina state and southern Virginia state, with an increased potential for flooding. The NWS also warned of heavy snow and ice in some areas, notably in northwestern Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri states.

Further flight disruptions, including delays and cancelations, are possible over the coming hours and days. Associated power outages and disruptions to transportation and business services are possible in areas forecast to be affected by the storm system.

Advice

Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by the storm are advised to monitor local weather reports, prepare for winter weather, and anticipate transportation disruptions, including flight delays and adverse driving conditions, and power outages.