Dallas weather: Hundreds of DFW flights already canceled for Thursday

DALLAS - Hundreds of flights scheduled into and out of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field have already been canceled for Thursday when a winter storm is expected to impact North Texas. 

The timing could be problematic with thousands of people trying to get to Dallas for the Cotton Bowl on Friday. 

 We checked in with both airports to see how they’re preparing for the winter weather. 

Flight Cancelations

By the numbers:

As of 7 a.m. Thursday morning, more than 500 flights scheduled to leave from DFW Airport on Thursday have been canceled, according to flight tracking website Flight Aware. 458 flights scheduled to arrive at DFW have also been canceled.

At Love Field, about 100 flights arriving at the airport have been canceled and another 100 scheduled to arrive have been canceled.

Most of the flights are from American Airlines, Southwest Airlines or Envoy Air. American says it issued a travel alert and has already contacted passengers to rebook.

The decision to delay or cancel flights comes from the airlines or air traffic control. 

What they're saying:

Dallas Love Field Spokesperson Patrick Clarke says the airport feels prepared for the incoming winter weather. 

"All hands on deck as we speak. We have our snowplow sweepers ready to go tomorrow. We also have our anti-icing and de-icing agents ready," he said. "We have been working around the clock. We have crews coming in, staying overnight actually in anticipation of what mother nature might send our way." 

Clarke says the airport has over 40,000 gallons of liquid de-icer and more than 166,000 pounds of sand and salt on hand to ensure the runways and taxiways are clear. 

The airlines are the ones who are responsible for de-icing the planes, which could add extra time between boarding and takeoff. This is in addition to some delays that might come because of the winter weather.

"Passenger safety is the utmost priority for us," Clarke said. "We want to get passengers to their destinations but do so in a safely manner. So if there are delays or cancellations, it’s for your very best interest." 

DFW Airport is asking travelers to check local road conditions and allow extra time to reach the airport.

It is also asking customers to check their flight status with their airline before making the trip to the airport.

American Airlines said it is monitoring the storm and making preparations across their operations.

"A travel alert has been issued allowing customers whose travel plans may be affected to rebook without change fees," the company said in a statement. "Customers can reschedule their travel on aa.com or by contacting reservations at 800-433-7300 in the United States or Canada."

The airline said it was making adjustments to the schedule at DFW with safety in mind.

American Airlines recommends checking flight statuses on their website or through their app before heading to the airport.

Dallas Weather Forecast

Thursday's forecast calls for a mix of sleet and rain throughout the day, varying by location and intensity. 

Northern areas are more likely to see snow, while southern areas will experience mostly rain.

FOX 4 meteorologists expect wet roads rather than icy ones during the day. After sunset, the wintry mix will transition to snow, with heavier snow anticipated north and northeast of Dallas.

Snowfall predictions are 1 to 3 inches in the DFW area, with 3 to 6 inches in northern and northeastern parts of the Metroplex.

Cotton Bowl to be held Friday

Why It Matters:

The conditions are a big deal with thousands expected to come to North Texas for the Cotton Bowl on Friday night.

Organizers for the game said they plan to hold the game as scheduled, meaning football fans could have to brave bad weather to make it to AT&T Stadium.

TxDOT is moving crews from South Texas to North Texas to help with game traffic and deal with any issues on the road.