Flight cancellations pile up after storms dump snow in the Midwest and head east

PBS NewsHour
by Emilie Megnien, Associated Press
March 17, 2026
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Powerful storms across the eastern half of the country canceled or delayed thousands of flights.

How This Affects You

If you have flights booked, expect cancellations or significant delays from the weather event sweeping across the region.

AI Summary

A severe winter storm that swept across the Midwest and eastern United States has triggered thousands of flight cancellations and delays as airlines struggle to resume normal operations. The storm dumped heavy snow across the region, compounding disruptions that began the previous day when the system first moved through the country's airspace. Airlines are working to clear backlogs and restore schedules, though continued weather challenges may extend cancellations into the coming days. Travelers across major hubs in the affected region face extended waits and potential route changes as the system moves eastward. The disruptions underscore the vulnerability of air travel networks to severe winter weather, particularly during peak travel periods.

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