Major Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc Across US, Grounding Thousands of Flights

Thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed as a powerful winter storm continues to march across the eastern United States, bringing a dangerous mix of snow, high winds, and the potential for long-track tornadoes to parts of the Midwest and East Coast.

The storm system has already dumped significant snowfall in the Midwest, and forecasters are warning of hazardous travel conditions and possible power outages as the system moves eastward. Airports in major hubs like New York, Chicago, and Atlanta have seen widespread flight disruptions, with over 9,000 delays and nearly 5,000 cancellations reported by late afternoon, according to FlightAware.

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The partial government shutdown has further complicated the situation, with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing shortages leading to longer security lines and adding to the travel chaos. Passengers have been advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight status and to allow extra time when passing through affected airports.

Meteorologists have warned that the storm system could produce long-track tornadoes in parts of the South and East, in addition to the heavy snowfall and powerful winds already being experienced. Residents in these areas have been urged to closely monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if necessary.

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The winter storm is the latest in a series of extreme weather events that have impacted the United States in recent months, including record-breaking cold and devastating wildfires. As the effects of climate change continue to be felt, experts warn that these types of disruptive weather patterns may become more common in the years to come.

Travelers affected by the flight cancellations and delays are encouraged to stay in close contact with their airlines, monitor local weather reports, and plan for potentially extended travel times as the storm system continues to move across the country.