Blizzard triggers flight cancellations at South Florida airports

A powerful winter storm battering the U.S. East Coast has caused widespread travel disruptions, with thousands of flights canceled nationwide and major impacts reported at airports in South Florida.

According to flight tracking data, more than 4,800 flights were canceled across the United States on Monday as the storm intensified. Airports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale also reported significant disruptions as airlines adjusted schedules due to the severe weather affecting northern routes.

At Miami International Airport, more than 135 flights were canceled and about 18 delayed as of Monday. Officials said they are continuing to monitor conditions and coordinate with airline partners to minimize disruption to travelers.

Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport reported more than 185 cancellations and roughly 17 delays. Updated figures later in the day indicated around 191 canceled flights and 25 delays at the airport.

The disruptions come as blizzard warnings stretch along the East Coast from Maryland to Maine. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service warned that travel conditions in affected areas could be “nearly impossible.”

In New York City, officials implemented a ban on non-emergency travel through midday Monday as heavy snow and strong winds swept across the region. Forecasters say the storm could bring up to two feet of snow in some areas, with roughly 41 million people under blizzard warnings.

Flight disruptions began as early as Sunday, with thousands of cancellations and delays affecting flights traveling into, out of and within the United States. Airlines continue to adjust schedules as the storm moves through the northeastern corridor.