Strong winds and low temperatures led to significant disruptions at Detroit Metro Airport on Sunday, with over 200 flights delayed and numerous cancellations reported. As of 8:06 p.m., FlightAware indicated that 40 flights had been canceled, and around 250 flights experienced delays for both arrivals and departures at DTW.
Of the disruptions, departures accounted for 135 delays and 18 cancellations. The situation at the airport deteriorated noticeably after Christmas, which had seen relatively fewer disruptions with only 97 delays reported on December 25. However, the weather conditions worsened on Friday, leading to 243 flight delays due to freezing rain across southeast Michigan, escalating to 329 delays on Saturday.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service have warned of an approaching cold front moving from west to east across the region, expected to bring showers and possibly an isolated thunderstorm between 11 p.m. Sunday and 1 a.m. Monday. Wind gusts could reach up to 45 mph, contributing to the prevailing adverse weather conditions, which are the result of a winter storm making its way through the plains.
Airport officials advise travelers to check their flight statuses and allow extra time for travel as weather-related disruptions may continue in the coming days. Despite the current challenges, the anticipation of clearer weather in the forecast offers hope for improved travel conditions soon.