The first of three powerful winter storms is wreaking havoc across the eastern U.S., unleashing heavy snow, ice, and rain across a massive 1,500-mile stretch from the South to the Northeast. The storm’s impact has triggered a new travel frenzy, with hundreds of flights canceled, including major disruptions at Reagan National (DCA) and Boston Logan (BOS). Airlines such as Spirit, TAP Air Portugal, United, Korean Air, American, and Alaska have been significantly affected, leaving travelers stranded and causing widespread delays as the winter weather chaos unfolds.

This storm is just the beginning, as two more storms are set to hit in quick succession, with the second storm expected to bring the biggest snowfall of the season to Chicago, and the third storm posing California’s most significant flood threat since the devastating wildfires in January.

Major Flight Cancellations and Travel Disruptions

As winter weather impacts key travel hubs, airlines have been forced to cancel and delay hundreds of flights, stranding passengers and creating chaos at airports.

Reagan National Airport (DCA) – 173 Cancellations, 123 Delays

The worst of the disruptions occurred at Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, where 173 flights were canceled and 123 delayed due to snow and ice. The following airlines were significantly affected:

• PSA Airlines canceled 109 flights (38%) and delayed 50 flights (17%), making it the most impacted airline at DCA.
• Republic Airlines saw 43 cancellations (27%) and 2 delays (1%).
• Jazz Aviation canceled 4 flights (28%) and delayed 2 flights (14%).
• Envoy Air had 4 cancellations (12%) and 2 delays (6%).
• Endeavor Air had 3 cancellations (25%) with no delays.
• JetBlue canceled 2 flights (6%) and delayed 2 flights (6%).
• Southwest Airlines experienced the most delays, with 43 flights (47%) delayed, although no cancellations were reported.
• Other airlines with delays but no cancellations included American Airlines, United, Alaska Airlines, Delta, Frontier, and GoJet.

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – 12 Cancellations, 49 Delays

While Boston Logan saw fewer cancellations compared to Reagan National, travel was still impacted, with 12 cancellations and 49 delays:

• Republic Airlines canceled 9 flights (4%) and delayed 1 flight (0%).
• JetBlue had 1 cancellation (0%) and 26 delays (13%), making it the airline with the highest number of delays at BOS.
• Spirit Airlines canceled 1 flight (7%) with no delays.
• Jazz Aviation had 1 cancellation (5%) and 2 delays (11%).
• Other airlines with delays but no cancellations included Alaska Airlines, Delta, El Al, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Korean Air, Cape Air, TAP Air Portugal, United, and American Airlines.

Storm One: Snow Ice and Flooding Across the Eastern US

The first storm has already dumped 1 to 3 inches of snow in parts of the Tennessee Valley and Appalachians, with more expected throughout the day. Washington, DC, could see up to 6 inches, which may cause even more flight delays and cancellations into the evening.

Heavy snowfall is also expected across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and southern New England, with New York City likely receiving 1 to 2 inches. Meanwhile, dangerous ice accumulations exceeding 0.25 inches are possible across parts of West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina, raising concerns of treacherous roads and widespread power outages.

State of Emergency and School Closures

• Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency due to worsening conditions.
• The Virginia Department of Transportation has urged residents to stay off the roads once the storm hits.
• Several schools in Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana have either closed or announced early dismissals due to the storm.

Storm Two: Strongest Snowfall of the Season for Chicago

Storm Two will bring the strongest snowfall of the season for Chicago, with over 10 inches expected, making it the city’s most significant snow event of the winter. Kansas City could see nearly double its typical February snowfall in one storm, while heavy snow, ice, and rain will spread across the Midwest and Northeast. Severe thunderstorms will impact parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, prompting a Level 2 storm threat. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has already declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm.

• Chicago is expected to receive over 10 inches of snow, making it the city’s largest snowfall of the season.
• Kansas City, Missouri, could see nearly double its typical February snowfall in a single storm.
• Ice will once again be a major concern, particularly in areas stretching from Oklahoma and Kansas through the Ohio Valley and into the Northeast.
• Severe thunderstorms could erupt across the South, with a Level 2 storm threat in place for parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama starting Wednesday afternoon.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has already issued a state of emergency in preparation for the storm.

Storm Three: California Faces Catastrophic Flooding

Storm Three will bring catastrophic flooding to California, with an atmospheric river fueling intense rainfall and triggering a Level 3 flood risk for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, especially in areas burned by recent wildfires. More than 35 million Californians are under a Level 2 flood risk, stretching from San Francisco to San Diego. The National Weather Service has warned of life-threatening debris flows in and below recent burn scars, with up to 2 inches of rain possible in the Los Angeles Basin. The storm will also bring heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada before moving east and strengthening as it reaches the Midwest and Northeast over the weekend.

• A Level 3 flood risk has been issued for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including areas burned by the Palisades and Eaton fires.
• More than 35 million Californians are under a Level 2 flood risk, including San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Diego.
• The National Weather Service in Los Angeles has warned of life-threatening debris flows in and below recent burn scars, with up to 2 inches of rain possible in the Los Angeles Basin.
• The storm will also bring heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada before tracking eastward and intensifying over the Midwest and Northeast by the weekend.

More Winter Storms on the Horizon?

Even after these three storms move out, another storm could develop by the middle of next week, keeping the busy winter weather pattern alive.

As flights continue to be impacted and roads become hazardous, travelers are urged to check with airlines, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay prepared for potential power outages.

The post Spirit, Tap Air Portugal, United, Korean Air, American, Alaska Among Airlines Affected as First of Three Winter Storms Slams US Causing New Travel Frenzy with Hundreds of Flights Canceled at Reagan National and Boston Logan: What You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.