On Wednesday, New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong International Airport was hit particularly hard, with 69% of scheduled departures canceled. Nationwide, more than 1,292 flights were canceled, and over 900 were delayed, according to aviation tracking systems. Houston’s major airports, George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby, suspended operations entirely on Tuesday but are expected to resume service by 10 a.m. Central Standard Time on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service issued warnings of severe weather conditions, including heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, stretching across the Gulf Coast and Southeast regions. Meteorologists have noted that the combination of icy precipitation and freezing temperatures has created hazardous conditions not only for air travel but also for road transportation and power infrastructure.

Airlines are working closely with airport authorities to manage the chaos, assisting passengers with rebooking options and accommodations where possible. Many travelers, however, are left stranded, with limited options as the storm continues to sweep across the southern United States.

This winter storm underscores the vulnerability of aviation to extreme weather events, particularly in regions unaccustomed to such conditions. As airports in affected states like Texas and Louisiana work toward restoring operations, passengers are urged to check with their airlines for real-time updates and prepare for potential disruptions.

The National Weather Service forecasts ongoing severe conditions, signaling that travel delays may persist for days. Travelers are advised to monitor weather updates and plan accordingly as the storm continues to make its presence felt.