Winter Storm Disrupts Travel Across the South

News Summary

A winter storm is causing significant travel disruptions across the southern United States, particularly affecting flights at Charlotte Douglas and Myrtle Beach International Airports. Over 500 flights have been canceled, leaving many travelers in distress. With extreme weather conditions prompting ground stops and travel advisories, officials are urging caution on the roads. While some areas may see warm-ups, others are expected to remain below freezing, creating hazardous conditions. As the storm continues, local authorities advise residents to reconsider travel plans and prioritize safety.

Winter Storm Shakes Up Travel Plans Across the South!

Charlotte is feeling the chill as a winter storm system rolls through the southern United States, causing quite the disruption for travelers and families hoping to get from place to place. With the storm in the mix, the Weather Authority Team has declared Weather Aware Days starting Friday night and continuing into Saturday morning. So, if you’re planning a trip, you might want to sit tight for a bit.

Flight Cancellations Are Spilling Over!

At Charlotte Douglas International Airport, more than 500 flights have already been canceled. That’s a lot of people trying to juggle their plans! Over at Myrtle Beach International Airport, travelers are also feeling the heat as disruptions continue, particularly affecting Friday morning flights. Scheduling has gone awry, and a handful of American Airlines flights to and from Charlotte scheduled for Friday afternoon have been scrapped too. Talk about a travel headache!

One traveler from New Jersey was particularly anxious about her canceled connecting flight. She had plans to attend a funeral, and with these weather conditions, it’s understandably worrying for many passengers waving goodbye to their original itineraries. Everyone has their own important reasons for traveling, and a storm like this sure can throw a wrench in the works.

Close Calls at Airports

The Ground Stops and Advisories Keep Coming

As if all those cancellations weren’t enough, the National Airspace System has implemented a ground stop for incoming Delta Airlines flights out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport until 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Isn’t it wild how weather can cause all these layers of delays? And for those venturing out onto the roadways, expect some slick conditions overnight across the Pee Dee region—a wintry mix is still in the forecast.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for counties like Robeson, Marlboro, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Williamsburg, and the ever-popular Northern Horry. Ice and sleet are expected to continue and could pose a challenge for drivers. It might be a good night to snuggle up at home instead of risking travel!

Temperatures and Safety Tips

While some parts of South Carolina are warming up and moving above freezing, providing a bit of relief from icing conditions, the Pee Dee area is set to stay below freezing. That means overpasses and elevated surfaces could become quite slippery overnight. Officials are advising everyone to take caution if travel is a must. Safety first!

For folks traveling along I-95, be mindful of possible ice and sleet accumulation that could make for slippery road conditions, though on a positive note, power outages are not expected. This winter storm is forecasted to be less severe than previous events in past winters, so while it’s inconvenient, it’s not overly alarming!

What’s Next for the Weekend?

Looking ahead, between January 10 and January 13, South Carolina is in for some snow, but the Grand Strand area is likely to dodge the worst of it. Local governments are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and take it easy if you do need to hit the road. And for anyone associated with Horry-Georgetown Technical College, the school closed at noon on January 10 and will remain closed through the weekend, resuming operations on Monday.

So there you have it! Keep warm, keep safe, and stay informed!