- Flight Disruptions
- US winter storm triggers over 2,100 flight cancellations
US winter storm triggers over 2,100 flight cancellations
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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on 3 February 2026
What Happened
A winter storm sweeping the US South and a deep freeze across the eastern US led to 2,122 flight cancellations by 2 p.m. New York time on Saturday. Airports in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, and Raleigh-Durham were among the most impacted. Weather alerts extend from southern Texas to Massachusetts, with temperatures 20–25°F below normal and many daily records at risk. While the storm is expected to move offshore, cold conditions may continue into next week, with additional winter systems possible into mid-February.
Flight Disruption Details
A broad winter storm crossing the US South, combined with a deep freeze across the eastern United States, has led to widespread air travel disruption. By 2 p.m. New York time on Saturday, 2,122 flights into, within, or out of the US had been canceled. Airports in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, and Raleigh-Durham were among the hardest hit locations for cancellations.
Weather warnings span southern Virginia, eastern Tennessee, the Carolinas, and northeastern Georgia. Forecasts call for 6 to 8 inches of snow in some areas and wind gusts up to 45 mph, with forecasters cautioning that blizzard conditions could develop along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Freeze and extreme-cold alerts cover a broad swath from southern Texas to Massachusetts, with temperatures 20–25°F below normal for more than a week and up to 186 daily temperature records at risk. Power outages exceeded 194,000 early Saturday, mainly in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
The storm is expected to track offshore, potentially bringing around 3 inches of snow to Cape Cod while sparing much of the Northeast from heavier impacts. Nonetheless, forecasters indicate that below-normal temperatures are likely to persist into next week, and additional winter systems could affect travel through mid-February. In Florida, below-freezing temperatures are forecast in Polk County, the state’s largest orange-producing region.
Saturday’s cancellations mark a second consecutive weekend of notable travel disruption attributed to winter weather, though not on the scale of the previous weekend, when more than 10,000 flights were canceled. Travelers with upcoming plans should expect ongoing operational challenges as the cold pattern lingers and further systems potentially develop. Specific airline and airport advisories were not provided, but disruption levels suggest continued schedule adjustments as conditions evolve.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Cancellations
Cause
Weather issue
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected
2122
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
3 February 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
