Severe Storms Disrupt Air Travel at Charlotte Douglas Airport

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Severe thunderstorms caused significant disruptions at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Monday, leading to hundreds of flight delays and cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a ground stop for the airport, effective until 6:15 p.m. due to the severe weather in the area.

According to data from flight tracking service FlightAware, 473 flights were delayed and 125 were canceled at Charlotte Douglas. Most of the delayed flights were operated by American Airlines and PSA Airlines, both of which use Charlotte as a major hub for East Coast travel.

The storms impacting Charlotte were part of a larger system that also affected air traffic in Atlanta, where over 500 flights were delayed. Meteorologist Brad Panovich from Weather Impact reported that the storm system was expected to move into the Charlotte area around 3 p.m. on Monday, with the last of the storms forecasted to clear the region by approximately 8 p.m.

In addition to flight disruptions, severe weather patterns prompted a severe thunderstorm watch for the Charlotte area until 7 p.m. “Everyone should be weather aware and keep an eye on the latest forecast,” Panovich emphasized.

The storms, accompanied by high winds and heavy rain, are part of a widespread weather phenomenon that has already resulted in dangerous conditions across multiple states, leading to significant damages and disruptions.

As severe storms progressed along the Eastern Seaboard, the National Weather Service warned residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential severe weather in their areas. The current weather events highlight the ongoing impact of changing weather patterns in the U.S., with substantial effects on aviation and residential safety.