Thousands of flights cancelled amid US deep freeze

Thousands of flights cancelled amid US deep freeze

Thousands of flights have been cancelled across the US this week as record-breaking cold weather sent parts of the midwest into a deep freeze.

Chicago, which experienced record temperatures of -29 C on Thursday, copped the brunt of the cancellations, with some reporting up to 4,000 flight cancellations out of the city’s two international airports since Tuesday.

St Louis, Minneapolis, Baltimore, Denver and Buffalo also experienced cancellations on Wednesday and Thursday, but none so bad as Chicago.

Atlanta was also affected by hundreds of delays as travellers braved the elements to attend the Super Bowl

At least 12 people have been killed by the cold snap and officials warned temperatures were so low in some areas they could cause frostbite in a matter of minutes, according to the ABC.

But the weekend could bring a welcome respite, with the National Weather Service predicting temperatures as high as 4 C on Saturday, and possibly 11 C on Monday.

“This morning is the worst of the worst in terms of the cold,” National Weather Service forecaster Andrew Orrison said, as per the ABC.

“It’s going to feel quite balmy in comparison.”

In the meantime, travellers are being urged to check with their airline to see if their flights will be affected by the extream weather.

Featured image source: Reuters 

Latest News