Dallas weather: Flight cancelations grow at DFW Airport, Love Field
DALLAS - Hundreds of flights have been canceled in and out of Dallas-Fort Worth airports on Thursday. A ground stop has been ordered for flights into North Texas for the time being.
The timing could be problematic with thousands of people trying to get to Dallas for the Cotton Bowl on Friday.
DFW, Dallas Love Field Flight Cancelations
By the numbers:
DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field lead the nation in flight cancelations, according to flight tracking website Flight Aware.
The numbers below are as of 7 p.m.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
- Flights Canceled to DFW: 749
- Flights Delayed to DFW: 56
- Flights Canceled from DFW: 808
- Flights Delayed from DFW: 147
Dallas Love Field
- Flights Canceled to DAL: 136
- Flights Delayed to DAL: 17
- Flights Canceled from DAL: 137
- Flights Delayed from DAL: 34
DFW, Love Field Airport Preps
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
Parts of North Texas have seen significant snowfall, while others have not seen as much.
The heaviest snowfall will begin after dark and continue past midnight. Moderate snow is expected for several hours in the early evening, starting around 8 p.m. Snowfall should mostly be over by sunrise Friday morning.
Southern parts of the metroplex are expected to get 1 to 3 inches of snow, while northern parts are expected to get 3 to 6 inches.
North Texas Radar
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.
The Source: Information in this article comes from Flight Aware, the FOX 4 Weather team, Dallas Fort Worth Airport and Love Field Airport.