Thousands of Travelers Affected across Canada as Air Canada, PAL, WestJet, Jazz and More Airlines Cancel 58 Flights and Delay 259 More Amid Snowstorm, at Halifax, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, St. John’s and Beyond

Thousands of travelers across Canada are facing major disruptions today as Air Canada, PAL, WestJet, Jazz, and several other airlines are forced to cancel 58 flights and delay 259 more. This massive disruption comes amid a powerful snowstorm sweeping across the country. Key airports in Halifax, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and St. John’s are seeing the worst of the delays and cancellations. The snowstorm has created hazardous conditions, leading to a backlog of flights and leaving many passengers stranded. With severe weather affecting several major Canadian cities, travelers are urged to stay updated on their flight statuses.

The situation remains fluid, and more delays or cancellations could occur as the storm continues its course. Airlines are working to rebook affected passengers, but with snowstorm conditions worsening, it’s unclear when services will return to normal.

Total Delays and Cancellations Today

The disruptions have been felt across multiple Canadian airports, with a staggering 259 delays and 58 cancellations recorded. The snowstorm, combined with the return of Arctic cold, has resulted in difficult conditions for both air and ground travel.

Affected Airports, Airlines and Analysis

Several airports in Canada are being hit particularly hard by the snowstorm and the Arctic cold front. Below is an analysis of the airports and airlines affected, based on the delays and cancellations data:

St. John’s International (YYT)

• Delays: 11
• Cancellations: 10

St. John’s International, located in Newfoundland, is facing delays and cancellations due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions. PAL Airlines, operating in the region, has been impacted with 20 cancellations and 20 delays. Passengers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and contact airlines for rebooking options.

Toronto Pearson International (YYZ)

• Delays: 123
• Cancellations: 6

Toronto Pearson International, Canada’s busiest airport, has experienced the highest number of delays. The snowstorm’s arrival and the persistent cold temperatures have led to severe delays in flight departures and arrivals. Jazz (Air Canada Express) has reported 14 cancellations and 36 delays, while Air Canada itself has had 3 cancellations and 82 delays. WestJet reported 2 cancellations and 34 delays. Travelers should check flight statuses frequently and expect ongoing delays throughout the day.

Montreal-Trudeau International (YUL)

• Delays: 41
• Cancellations: 10

Snowfall moving into Montreal has resulted in delays and cancellations at Montreal-Trudeau International. Jazz (Air Canada Express) has been one of the affected airlines with 14 cancellations and 36 delays. The storm’s impact on the region has made air travel challenging, with many travelers stuck at the airport awaiting updates.

Vancouver International (YVR)

• Delays: 30
• Cancellations: 4

While Vancouver generally enjoys milder weather, the snowstorm’s path has caused unexpected disruptions. With significant delays and a few cancellations at Vancouver International, WestJet reported 2 cancellations and 34 delays, causing further strain on travel. Passengers should prepare for further delays as the storm moves east.

Calgary International (YYC)

• Delays: 24
• Cancellations: 4

Calgary, typically no stranger to winter weather, has also been hit with snow and cold temperatures. As the storm progresses, expect continued delays at Calgary International, with WestJet again facing 2 cancellations and 34 delays. Snow clearance operations at the airport will continue throughout the day.

CFB Goose Bay (YYR)

• Delays: 6
• Cancellations: 5

Goose Bay, a smaller airport in Newfoundland and Labrador, is facing delays and cancellations due to snow and freezing temperatures. PAL Airlines, operating in this area, is also seeing a 20% cancellation rate with 20 delays. The airport is currently managing the situation, but passengers should anticipate disruptions until conditions improve.

Wabush (YWK)

• Delays: 5
• Cancellations: 4

Like Goose Bay, Wabush Airport is seeing a mix of delays and cancellations. PAL Airlines has also been impacted, with 20 cancellations and 20 delays. With snowfall affecting runway conditions, passengers at this airport are advised to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest updates.

Other Affected Airports

Other airports across Canada, including Halifax International (YHZ), Deer Lake Regional (YDF), and Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon (YBX), are also reporting delays and cancellations, though on a smaller scale compared to the major hubs like Toronto Pearson.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers stranded due to these disruptions, here are a few steps to take:

1. Stay Updated: Passengers should regularly check flight statuses on their airline’s website or mobile app. Many airlines offer real-time updates on cancellations, delays, and gate changes.
2. Contact Airlines: If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, contact your airline immediately to inquire about rebooking options. Some airlines, such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Jazz (Air Canada Express), may offer to rebook you on the next available flight or provide vouchers for accommodations if your delay is extensive.
3. Prepare for Cold Weather: With temperatures plummeting in many parts of Canada, especially in Ontario and Quebec, passengers should be prepared for extreme cold. Dress warmly, especially in airports like Toronto Pearson and Montreal-Trudeau, where temperatures are expected to drop below -20°C with wind chills reaching -30°C.
4. Expect Further Disruptions: Although a milder weather pattern is expected by mid-February, further disruptions are possible due to additional storms. Travelers should stay informed about the weather forecast and be ready for sudden changes in flight schedules.

Conclusion

The ongoing snowstorm and Arctic cold sweeping across Canada are causing severe delays and cancellations, particularly at major airports like Toronto Pearson and Montreal-Trudeau. With over 259 delays and 58 cancellations, travelers should be prepared for ongoing disruptions in the coming days. Airlines such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Jazz (Air Canada Express) have seen significant impacts, with many flights delayed or canceled due to the snowstorm and the return of Arctic temperatures. Passengers are encouraged to stay updated, contact airlines for assistance, and prepare for harsh weather conditions as the storm continues to move eastward across the country.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports

The post Thousands of Travelers Affected across Canada as Air Canada, PAL, WestJet, Jazz and More Airlines Cancel 58 Flights and Delay 259 More Amid Snowstorm, at Halifax, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, St. John’s and Beyond appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia Grapple with Extreme Winter Weather, Dangerous Snow, and Icy Roads Threatening Travel on February 3: New Update You Need to Know

On February 3, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia are facing a powerful winter storm, with heavy snow and icy conditions threatening both travel and safety. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories for the region, forecasting 1 to 3 inches of snow, and possibly more in some areas. Freezing rain combined with snow and below-freezing temperatures will make roads extremely hazardous, especially during peak travel times. The risk of slippery roads, reduced visibility, and ice accumulation on untreated surfaces like bridges and overpasses is high, heightening the potential for accidents. Residents and travelers are strongly advised to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel as major disruptions are expected.

Forecasted Snowfall and Timing

The forecast predicts that several regions will see snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches, with some localized areas potentially experiencing higher totals. The advisory will remain in effect from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST for the following areas:

• Southeast Indiana: Including counties such as Franklin, Ripley, Dearborn, Ohio, and Switzerland.
• Southwest and Central Ohio: Including Butler, Warren, Clinton, Ross, Hamilton, Clermont, Highland, Adams, Pike, and Scioto counties.
• Northern Kentucky: Including Carroll, Gallatin, Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Owen, Grant, Pendleton, Bracken, Mason, and Lewis counties.

For parts of southern Indiana and central Kentucky, the advisory period will be from 10:00 AM to Midnight EST. These areas are expected to receive 1 to 2 inches of wet, slushy snow, with possible light ice accumulation. Other areas in this advisory zone will experience the impacts from 1:00 PM to 2:00 AM EST Wednesday.

In southeastern Ohio and northern West Virginia, 1 to 3 inches of snow are expected between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM EST.

Travel and Safety Concerns

Travelers in the affected regions should be prepared for hazardous road conditions, especially during peak travel times, such as the morning and evening commutes. While the total snowfall is not expected to be extreme, the conditions will create slippery roads, poor visibility, and potential delays.

Untreated surfaces, including bridges, overpasses, sidewalks, and rural secondary roads, are especially vulnerable to slick spots. Additionally, a brief period of freezing rain could further complicate road conditions, particularly in parts of Kentucky and Indiana, leading to icy patches that can make driving even more treacherous.

Commuters and travelers are urged to reduce their speed, allow extra time for travel, and ensure their vehicles are equipped with an emergency kit. The kit should include essential items such as blankets, snacks, flashlights, and cell phone chargers, as well as extra layers of clothing and a fully charged phone in case of an emergency.

Local Updates and Resources

Motorists can stay informed about the latest weather developments and road conditions by referring to their state’s traffic and weather resources.

• Indiana: 511in.org
• Ohio: ohgo.com
• Kentucky: goky.ky.gov
• West Virginia: wv511.org or call 511

For broader weather information, including radar imagery and updates on winter weather advisories, residents are encouraged to visit the National Weather Service’s website at weather.gov.

Preparedness Tips

To ensure safety during this winter weather event, residents are advised to take the following precautions:

• Limit Outdoor Exposure: Stay indoors as much as possible during the peak of the snowfall. If you must go outside, dress warmly in layers to protect against the cold.
• Avoid Unnecessary Travel: If possible, delay travel until road conditions improve. Travel is most dangerous during the evening rush hour when snow accumulation may worsen.
• Charge Devices: In case of power outages, ensure that devices like phones, tablets, and laptops are fully charged before the storm hits. Having extra power sources, such as portable chargers, is also helpful.
• Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: Elderly and vulnerable residents should be checked on to ensure they have everything they need and are safe during the storm.
• Monitor Weather Updates: Continuously check weather reports and travel updates to stay informed about changing conditions, particularly if the advisory period extends into Wednesday.

A Winter Weather Reminder

Even light snowfall can create hazardous conditions, particularly when temperatures hover around freezing. This can lead to slushy accumulations that may refreeze overnight, resulting in dangerous driving conditions the following morning. It’s essential to stay alert and prepared during winter weather events.

The National Weather Service will closely monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. While the snowstorm may not be extreme, the combined effects of snow, ice, and cold temperatures could make travel hazardous for those who are unprepared. By staying informed and taking the right precautions, residents can protect themselves and ensure their safety.

Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia are facing extreme winter weather on February 3, with heavy snow, icy roads, and hazardous travel conditions expected to disrupt commutes and daily activities. Winter Weather Advisories have been issued as snow accumulations and freezing rain create dangerous driving conditions.

In conclusion, the winter storm expected to impact Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia on February 3 poses considerable risks to travel and safety. With snow, ice, and freezing temperatures creating dangerous road conditions, it’s vital for residents and travelers to stay updated, plan ahead, and take necessary precautions. Avoiding unnecessary travel and exercising caution will help reduce the risk of accidents during this severe weather event. The National Weather Service will continue to track the storm and provide further updates as needed.

The post Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia Grapple with Extreme Winter Weather, Dangerous Snow, and Icy Roads Threatening Travel on February 3: New Update You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.