Winter storm causes over 15,000 flight disruptions and cancellations across US
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The massive winter storm set to hit states across the country has caused more than 15,000 flight disruptions as Americans braced for snow, ice and low temperatures.
The website FlightAware.com, which provides real-time data on flight disruptions, noted that as of 5.40 a.m. on Saturday, approximately 10,000 flights had been canceled and 5,000 flights had been postponed until Monday.
American Airlines saw the brunt of the disruptions on Saturday, with 822 flight cancellations and 30 delays, according to FlightAware. Southwest Airlines was the second most affected airline with 571 cancellations and 33 delays, followed by Delta Airlines with 165 cancellations and 33 delays. Although United Airlines was the least affected of the four airlines, it still experienced 150 cancellations and 45 delays.
FEMA’S PREPARATIONS FOR THE ‘MAJOR WINTER STORM’ THAT WILL AFFECT MORE THAN 30 STATES ARE REVEALED IN MEMO
A flight information board at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) ahead of the expected winter storm in Dallas, Texas, on Friday, January 23, 2026. (Mark Felix/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Saturday announced the closure of airports across the country, including Harry Reid International Airport, John Wayne Airport and San Diego International Airport. Meanwhile, weather and air traffic experts are also working hard to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of air travelers across the country.
In a video the agency posted on social media, Air Traffic Surveillance Officer Joshua Jennings described efforts to ensure safety, including clearing snow and de-icing planes. Additionally, the FAA urges Americans to check its website for updates on airport information.
FlightAware ranked American Airlines as the airline most affected by winter weather, with more than 800 cancellations. (Mark Felix/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
CRUZ RETURNED TO TEXAS AFTER PHOTO OF HER GETTING ON A PLANE BEFORE THE WINTER STORM WAS CREATED
This weekend’s historic winter storm spans more than 2,300 miles, and weather warnings are spreading across the country as far west as New Mexico and as far west as Maine. More than 190 million Americans are under some form of winter weather warning, breaking the record for the largest number of U.S. counties under Winter Storm Warning at the same time, FOX Weather reported.
on friday, National Weather Service (NSW) urged Americans in the storm’s path to take the incident seriously and advised individuals to “avoid travel if possible.”
Snow in Prospect Park in Brooklyn on Saturday, January 17, 2026. New York City is preparing for the first major winter storm of 2026. (Theodore Parisienne/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
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President Donald Trump shared the NWS message on Truth Social and said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is ready to respond.
“I have been notified of the record cold front and historic winter storm that will hit much of the United States this weekend. The Trump Administration is coordinating with state and local officials. FEMA is fully prepared to respond,” Trump wrote, adding: “Stay safe and stay warm!”
