Key Takeaways:
– A significant storm has led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights at Denver International Airport (DIA) on Thursday.
– Rain transitioned to heavy, wet snow on Wednesday night, potentially accumulating up to 20 inches at DIA.
– Travel disruptions are anticipated, with major airlines issuing travel advisories and offering flexible rebooking options.
– The National Weather Service warns of widespread, heavy snow affecting the Front Range and Interstate 25, making travel very difficult, especially on Thursday.
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In Denver, a transformation from rain to substantial, wet snow on Wednesday evening has set the stage for a challenging Thursday. Denver International Airport might see snowfall reaching up to 20 inches, casting a shadow over travel plans and operations.
The storm’s arrival has already made its impact felt, with a significant number of flights at Denver International Airport either delayed or canceled. As the clock struck 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the tally stood at 792 cancellations and 16 delays, highlighting the storm’s disruptive potential.
Travelers are advised to stay ahead of the curve by checking in with their airlines before heading to the airport. Airport officials are on high alert, ready to tackle the snow with pre-treatment and removal strategies to minimize disruptions. Additionally, checking security wait times online at FlyDenver.com and accounting for potential delays due to de-icing operations is recommended.
Airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United, have proactively issued travel advisories. They encourage passengers to keep tabs on their flight status through online platforms or airline apps for real-time updates.
In response to the storm, airlines are offering unprecedented flexibility. For instance, Southwest has announced that customers can rebook or opt for standby without incurring extra charges if they do so within two weeks of their original travel date. United is also accommodating, allowing ticket holders who booked by Sunday for travel from Wednesday to Friday to reschedule their trips up to March 19 without facing any fees or fare differences.
The National Weather Service has issued a warning for the Front Range and Interstate 25 corridor, forecasting widespread, heavy snow. This severe weather event is expected to severely impact travel, particularly on Thursday, with snow-covered roads posing a significant hazard.
As the community braces for the storm, staying informed and prepared remains paramount. For those looking to stay updated on Colorado weather, suggested videos and further resources are available online, alongside the 9NEWS app and newsletter for comprehensive coverage and alerts.