Over 1,000 Flights Canceled Due to Winter Storm in the U.S.

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] A winter storm accompanied by strong winds and heavy snowfall has struck the northern and midwestern United States, causing numerous flight cancellations and power outages.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 22nd (local time), citing the flight tracking site FlightAware, that more than 1,000 flights across the United States were canceled before 9 a.m. Eastern Time that day.

By airline, Southwest Airlines canceled 235 flights, SkyWest canceled 216 flights, and Delta Air Lines canceled more than 197 flights. The airports with the most cancellations were Denver International Airport and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Southwest Airlines warned that additional flight cancellations could continue later this week.

Power outages are also occurring in various areas. In California alone, more than 145,000 power outages have been reported. Utility company PG&E stated that more outages could occur due to strong winds, heavy rain, or heavy snowfall.

The National Weather Service (NWS) previously issued blizzard and high wind warnings for more than 20 states from California to Maine this week. Some areas are expected to receive up to 61 cm of snowfall between the 21st and 23rd. The NWS said, "This could impact travel and infrastructure," adding, "Strong winds of 50 to 60 miles per hour (approximately 80 to 96 km/h) will hit the West, with some areas experiencing winds up to 80 miles per hour (approximately 128 km/h)." Michael Natoli, a meteorologist at the Wyoming Weather Service, reported that 12 to 20 inches (about 40 to 50 cm) of snow accompanied by strong winds are expected in parts of south-central Wyoming.