A severe winter storm, named Winter Storm Cora, has struck the Dallas area, resulting in significant travel disruptions. On Thursday, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) canceled over 530 outgoing flights along with hundreds of incoming flights. The storm is expected to move eastward, impacting various states including Kentucky, Tennessee, and parts of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.
As the storm progresses, the National Weather Service Fort Worth has issued warnings regarding hazardous road conditions. Slick roads are already a concern, with the agency stating,
“Slick conditions are already out there on the roads!”
In addition to DFW's cancellations, Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) reported over 100 outgoing flight cancellations and a similar number of incoming flight disruptions. Airlines such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines have proactively issued flight waivers for affected travelers across the South.
The storm is forecasted to deliver a slippery mix of sleet and snow, with accumulations ranging from two to five inches in some areas. As a precautionary measure, DFW airport will treat its extensive property with 875 tons of sand, 169,000 gallons of liquid deicer, and over 1,000 tons of additional roadway materials to combat the impending icy conditions.
Winter alerts are currently in effect for cities further east including Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Memphis, Nashville, and Raleigh. The National Weather Service has warned that bridges and overpasses will be among the first surfaces to become slick due to the accumulation of sleet and snow.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines regarding flight statuses before heading to the airport. DFW airport has emphasized caution for those driving in the area as road conditions may deteriorate rapidly.
