A major winter storm in the southern United States has forced the cancellation of nearly 3,000 flights and caused thousands more to be delayed.
Major airports have been severely impacted, including Charlotte Douglas in North Carolina, Dallas Fort Worth in Texas, and Atlanta International Airport.
The storm caused Delta Airlines to cancel almost 1,100 flights throughout its network. In addition, an engine issue forced a Delta Boeing 757 300 to abandon takeoff in Atlanta, forcing more than 200 passengers and crew to evacuate via emergency slides.
The storm’s impact has been broad, with temperatures dipping below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) in some parts, leaving tens of thousands without electricity. Earlier in the week, a winter system that killed at least five people and knocked down electricity in the country’s centre and eastern regions preceded the storm.
Airlines like Delta are providing travel waivers to help impacted passengers, so travellers are encouraged to check with their airlines for the most recent information and rebooking possibilities.