GLOBIVOX

A massive winter storm sweeping across wide swathes of the United States has brought air travel to a near standstill, forcing airlines to cancel around 13,000 flights as heavy snowfall, freezing rain and powerful winds disrupted operations at major airports.

The sprawling weather system moved from the Midwest into the South and Northeast, coating runways in ice and sharply reducing visibility. Several leading carriers temporarily halted departures at key hubs while ground crews struggled to clear aircraft and terminals. Thousands of passengers were left stranded, with long lines forming at ticket counters and rebooking desks.

Meteorologists warned that the storm’s intensity and rapid spread made it difficult for airports to maintain normal schedules. In some regions, authorities issued advisories urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, while emergency teams were deployed to handle road accidents, fallen power lines and icy conditions.

Beyond aviation, the storm affected daily life across multiple states. Schools closed, highways were shut down in places, and utility companies reported outages as heavy snow weighed down trees and cables. Local administrations activated emergency response plans to assist vulnerable communities and ensure the smooth movement of rescue and maintenance crews.

Airlines have encouraged travellers to monitor flight updates closely and take advantage of flexible rebooking policies. With forecasts suggesting lingering winter weather in parts of the country, officials cautioned that disruptions could continue until conditions improve and full airport operations are restored.

A powerful winter storm sweeping across large parts of the United States has thrown transportation networks into chaos, forcing airlines to cancel nearly 13,000 flights as snow, sleet and freezing rain blanketed major travel corridors. The rapidly moving system disrupted schedules at some of the country’s busiest airports, leaving tens of thousands of passengers scrambling for alternatives.

The storm spread from the central plains toward the East Coast, bringing strong gusts of wind that reduced visibility and made runway operations dangerous. Airport authorities suspended take-offs and landings at several locations while crews worked around the clock to de-ice aircraft, clear terminals and reopen taxiways. Airlines issued widespread travel waivers, allowing customers to rebook without penalties as delays continued to mount.

Weather agencies warned that the system could produce record-low temperatures in some regions, heightening the risk of black ice on highways and straining power infrastructure. State and local governments activated emergency preparedness measures, deploying snowploughs and rescue teams to respond to accidents and stranded motorists. In multiple areas, schools and government offices were shut as officials urged residents to remain indoors unless travel was essential.

The storm’s impact extended well beyond airports. Rail services experienced interruptions, while trucking routes slowed across major interstates due to treacherous road conditions. Utility providers reported outages after ice-laden branches toppled onto transmission lines, leaving households without electricity or heating during sub-zero temperatures.

Officials stressed that safety remained the top priority as forecasts predicted lingering winter weather over the coming days. Aviation experts cautioned that even after snowfall eases, the backlog of grounded aircraft and displaced crews could prolong disruptions. Travellers were advised to monitor airline alerts, arrive early for rebooked flights and prepare for further changes to itineraries.

As recovery efforts continue, authorities are assessing damage caused by the storm and coordinating interstate support to restore transportation links and essential services. With winter conditions far from over, communities across the affected regions remain on high alert, bracing for additional rounds of snow and freezing rain in the days ahead.