Tropical Storm Erin is wreaking havoc on air travel across the United States, leading to over 450 flight cancellations and more than 2,000 delays today.
The storm’s intensifying winds and heavy rainfall have resulted in significant travel disruptions, particularly affecting major airports in Washington, New York, Massachusetts, and Tennessee.
In Washington D.C., Reagan National Airport saw 131 delays and 106 cancellations, while LaGuardia in New York reported 120 delays and 62 cancellations.
Boston Logan experienced 92 delays and 53 cancellations, and JFK Airport recorded 113 delays and 60 cancellations.
Airlines such as Republic, Southwest, and China Eastern Airlines are among those facing the most considerable impacts from the storm.
Republic Airlines reported a total of 98 cancellations, representing 8% of their scheduled flights, alongside 67 delays, or 5% of their flights.
Southwest Airlines faced 83 cancellations (2%) and 340 delays (9%), while China Eastern Airlines experienced the highest level of impact, with 64 cancellations (2%) and a staggering 676 delays (25%).
Other airlines like United Airlines and American Airlines also reported cancellations and delays affecting their operations.
United Airlines noted 18 cancellations and 144 delays, translating to about 0% and 4% of their flights, respectively.
American Airlines faced 13 cancellations and 234 delays, accounting for 0% and 7% of their services.
Additionally, carriers such as PSA Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Air China are witnessing significant disruptions, alongside smaller airlines like Batik Air and Spring Airlines.
Smaller carriers have also been heavily affected; for example, Batik Air reported 13 cancellations (4%) and a staggering 165 delays (50%).
This ripple effect of cancellations and delays is causing thousands of passengers to be stranded, particularly at major hubs including LaGuardia in New York and Reagan National in Washington D.C.
Travelers are strongly advised to stay updated on their flight statuses as airlines attempt to accommodate affected passengers.
Many are currently facing long delays and rebooking issues as the storm continues to disrupt normal flight operations.
Tropical Storm Erin formed earlier this week in the eastern Atlantic and is moving westward at 22 mph.
Forecasters predict that the storm will likely intensify and potentially become a hurricane by Thursday, August 14, and a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by Sunday, August 17.
As the storm’s maximum sustained winds are projected to reach at least 111 mph, areas including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the northern Leeward Islands are bracing for impact.
Rainfall amounts are expected to range from 1 to 2 inches, with localized totals potentially hitting 7 inches in some areas.
Residents in Puerto Rico and nearby regions are urged to monitor the storm closely as it strengthens.
The U.S. East Coast, spanning from Florida to New England, could experience rough surf and hazardous rip currents this weekend.
Although the exact long-term path of the storm remains uncertain, forecasters anticipate a northward turn that may steer the storm away from the U.S. mainland.
Amid these storm impacts, various weather hazards persist throughout the U.S.
Forecasters are warning of potential flooding in the southern Appalachians due to heavy rainfall that could lead to flash floods.
Meanwhile, the Great Basin and northern Rockies are at risk for critical fire weather conditions, especially in Montana, Utah, and Idaho, due to gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation.
The disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Erin have prompted airlines to issue travel advisories for passengers.
With over 474 cancellations and 2,259 delays across multiple carriers today, it is evident that the storm is making travel quite difficult.
Some airlines, particularly Republic, Southwest, China Eastern, and China Southern have been significantly affected.
Travelers across the U.S. are urged to stay attentive to flight status updates and consider rebooking travel affected by the storm.
As the situation evolves, experts recommend travelers remain flexible and prepare for continued disruptions as the hurricane’s path becomes clearer in the upcoming days.
image source from：travelandtourworld
