Due to the latest winter weather system, a major winter storm to affect eastern half of United States March 2023 — southeastern Canada is included as well — so consider ensuring that you have alternate plans ready to be implemented in case your travels are adversely affected.
Major Winter Storm to Affect Eastern United States: March 2023 Travel Alert
The following statement is currently posted at the official Internet web site of the National Weather Service of the United States:
Winter Weather Impacts Across the Country; Severe Weather in the South
Widespread precipitation, high winds, blizzard conditions, and record cold high temperatures will continue to impact California as the winter storm moves into the Southwest. Heavy snow also possible in the Upper Midwest from a clipper system. Heavy snow and areas of blizzard conditions expected across southern and interior Alaska. Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain possible in the Mid-South.
The map of the United States from the National Weather Service indicates that winter weather advisories have been issued for northeastern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, southern Vermont, central New Hampshire, and much of the state of Maine; and flood watches and tornado watches have been issued from eastern Oklahoma to southwestern Indiana and northern Alabama — but the warnings, watches, and advisories will expand to more areas as the week progresses.
Accumulation of up to as much as 28 inches of snow is expected in central Michigan, southeastern Ontario north of Toronto, southwestern Maine, and the northern portions of the states of New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Snow in general is forecast to accumulate between extreme eastern Kansas all the way to western Nova Scotia, which includes the cities of Albany, Chicago, Montréal, Toronto, Portland, Detroit, Hartford, Buffalo, Boston, Milwaukee, and Syracuse.
Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms will be impacting many areas of the southeastern United States, as up to eight inches of rain could fall between extreme northeastern Texas and southwestern Ohio, which includes the cities of Little Rock, Nashville, Saint Louis, Cincinnati, Memphis, and Evansville. Rain in general is forecast to fall between northeastern Texas and Long Island in New York. Travel will be affected accordingly.
Flaky reports of more snow falling in California earlier today have been inundating social media as freeze warnings have been issued in many areas along the central part of the state.
Flight Waivers, Delays and Cancellations
If you are traveling to, from, or within the eastern half of the United States and southeastern Canada over the next few days or so, expect delays and cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to this winter weather system which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary.
Here are five airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of this weather system:
- American Airlines has issued travel alerts for:
- 44 airports in 14 states and two provinces for Friday, March 3, 2023 through Saturday, March 4, 2023; and Wednesday, March 8, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Dallas-Fort Worth for Thursday, March 2, 2023; and Saturday, March 4, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- United Airlines has issued travel alerts for 32 airports in Toronto and 14 states for Friday, March 3, 2023 through Saturday, March 4, 2023; and Wednesday, March 8, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Southwest Airlines has issued travel alerts for:
- 18 airports in eleven states for Friday, March 3, 2023 through Saturday, March 4, 2023; and Saturday, March 18, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Dallas Love Field for Thursday, March 2, 2023; and Thursday, March 16, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Air Canada has issued travel alerts for:
- Québec for Friday, March 3, 2023 through Saturday, March 4, 2023.
- Montréal, Ottawa, and both airports which serve Toronto for Wednesday, March 1, 2023 through Saturday, March 4, 2023.
- Vancouver for Thursday, March 2, 2023.
- WestJet Airways has issued travel alerts for airports in southern Ontario, eastern Canada, and the New York region of the United States for Friday, March 3, 2023 through Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Final Boarding Call
Do not be surprised to see additional airlines issue travel waivers — as well as existing travel waivers being extended — as this winter weather system progresses towards the east.
Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.
