More than 1,000 flights have been canceled in the United States between Monday and Tuesday as harsh winter weather continues throughout the middle of the country.
Airports most affected include Dallas Love Field, Dallas-Fort Worth International, Austin Bergstrom International, and Houston Bush International airports, all in Texas.
Two other western airports, Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International and Colorado’s Denver International, are also experiencing significant delays.
As of 11 p.m. ET Monday, just over 1,100 flights traveling within, into, or out of the US have been canceled, according to flight tracking site FlightAware, with more than 5,000 delays.
More than 900 Tuesday flights have already been canceled.
Half of these flight cancellations are Southwest Airlines flights.
The Dallas-based airline, which had an operations meltdown over the holidays, had canceled about 12% of its Monday schedule which included about 480 flights, according to FlightAware.
Southwest Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
CEO Bob Jordan has, as of Monday, however, outlined fixes to prevent a repeat of the airline’s Christmas travel meltdown
American Airlines and regional carrier SkyWest also saw numerous delays and cancellations.
A winter storm warning is in effect for many of Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, until 6 a.m. Central Time on Wednesday, February 2.
Due to the harsh weather conditions, some airlines have issued weather waivers for travelers who will be commuting during the period.
Southwest Airlines issued a winter weather waiver on Sunday and had extended waivers by midday Monday to a dozen airports in Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Kentucky. The latest waivers apply to travel from January 30 to February 1.
American Airlines also issued a waiver on Sunday for Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) that applies to travel from January 29 to February 2.
Delta and United have also issued weather waivers. Their Monday operations were however not significantly impacted by cancellations.
Dallas Love Field tweeted on Monday that its team “stands ready to treat and clear surfaces to allow for safe operations.”
Dallas-Forth Worth is also preparing for bad weather.
Both airports urged travelers to check with their airlines for flight status before going to the airport.
The National Weather Service warns that the current weather will also make for treacherous road conditions.
According to the Service’s Weather Prediction Center, up to half an inch of ice or sleet is possible in parts of Texas.
Ice accumulation is also expected across at least 15 states.
“If you must travel, slow down and use extreme caution, particularly when approaching bridges and overpasses,” the Texas warning says.
Motorists are also advised to have a flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles in an emergency.
