Severe storms disrupt US holiday travel: 7,000 flights delayed, one dead in Tornadoes
More than 7,000 flights were delayed across the US on Saturday.
This weekend, severe weather caused major disruptions across the US. Flights were delayed and canceled, tornadoes devastated parts of the southeast, and heavy snow and winds hit the west coast. Travelers should stay updated on their flights and local weather conditions to stay safe and avoid stress.
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Severe weather hit the United States over the weekend, causing chaos for travelers during the busy holiday season. Deadly tornadoes ripped through the southeast, while heavy snow and strong winds affected the west coast. Thousands of flights were delayed or canceled, leaving many travelers stranded or facing long waits.
More than 7,000 flights were delayed across the US on Saturday, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks flight data. Over 200 flights were canceled, leaving many travelers scrambling to find new routes. Airports in major cities, including Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston, were particularly hard hit.
At Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, nearly one in three flights were delayed. In Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston, almost half of all flights faced delays. These delays caused a ripple effect, with many other flights across the country being impacted.
While travelers struggled with flight delays, the southeast was dealing with much more dangerous weather. In Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, at least 10 tornadoes touched down on Saturday, causing widespread damage and tragic loss of life.
The hardest-hit area was Brazoria County, Texas, about 45 miles south of Houston. A tornado there killed one person and injured four others. Homes and schools were destroyed, and the damage was severe. People in the area shared photos and videos on social media showing trees snapped in half and power lines down across the streets.
The National Weather Service warned that the number of deaths could increase as more areas are assessed. The storms caused power outages, and many people had to wait for help as emergency teams worked to clear the damage.
While the southeast dealt with tornadoes, the west coast was facing heavy snow and powerful winds. In California, winds gusted up to 150 mph in the high mountain areas around Lake Tahoe, while lower elevations saw gusts of up to 50 mph. These strong winds made travel dangerous and caused power outages in many areas.
The weather also brought heavy rain. Forecasters warned that up to 6 inches of rain could fall from San Francisco to Portland, Oregon, before the end of the year. In addition, up to 3 feet of snow was expected in the Lake Tahoe area. The National Weather Service issued warnings that the strong winds could knock down trees and power lines, causing more power outages.
Severe weather is expected to continue over the coming days, and travelers should stay alert. The National Weather Service predicts more rain, snow, and wind in the coming week, especially in the west and south.If you're planning to travel during this time, make sure you're ready for anything. Whether it’s delays at the airport, bad roads, or unexpected cancellations, being prepared will help you manage the situation more easily. Stay informed, stay safe, and be patient. The holiday season is stressful enough without the added worries of bad weather, but with a little planning, you can still make it through the storms.
