On Friday, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced a nationwide weather alert, stating that every U.S. state was under some form of weather warning or advisory due to a high weather pattern.
For more information, the NWS directed people to check their website or follow local NWS offices.
The severe winter storm that swept across the country led to significant disruptions in air travel. Airlines canceled over 1,600 flights and delayed 1,238 others, according to FlightAware.
Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines issued travel advisories, noting that flights in major cities like Chicago and Detroit could face delays or cancellations.
Flight cancellations surge as severe winter storm affects travel across the United States.In Iowa, where the Republican presidential candidates are intensifying their campaigns before Monday’s caucuses, a blizzard warning was issued until Saturday morning.
The state is expected to experience extreme cold, with temperatures potentially plunging to -18°F by Sunday and remaining well below freezing through Monday. This could result in the coldest caucuses in Iowa’s history.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously warned of potential flight delays due to adverse weather conditions, including clouds, snow, and strong winds.
Southwest Airlines reported the highest number of cancellations with 355 flights, followed by SkyWest with 275 and United Airlines with 258. Some cancellations are anticipated to extend into Saturday as United awaits approval to resume operations with its Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft.
Blizzard warnings are in effect across the Midwest and Great Lakes, with forecasts predicting heavy snow, dangerous winds, and poor visibility.
Arctic air has brought severe cold to the Northwest and the Plains. In response, Nikki Haley moved a campaign event online, cautioning voters about the weather while continuing her push for the GOP nomination. Meanwhile, tornado risks persist along the Gulf Coast.