Update: January 7, 2024, at 9:31 a.m. ET
Winter Storm Blair may be gone, but the impact of the
weather system is still being felt in the Mid-Atlantic and along the East
Coast.
According to Weather.com,
at least 10 deaths were blamed on Winter Storm Blair, with the snowy weather
and ice shutting down interstates, causing thousands of airport delays and resulting
in more than 350,000 power outages.
The airline industry was heavily impacted, as Ronald Reagan
Washington National Airport in Washington D.C. was forced to close its runways
on Monday due to icy conditions.
According to FlightAware.com,
484 flights were canceled on Tuesday and another 955 were delayed. On Monday, 2,341
flights were canceled and another 9,731 were delayed.
For rail travelers, Amtrak announced that more than 30
trains have been canceled on Tuesday, including all trains scheduled to enter
and leave Washington, D.C. This also includes trains set to travel to New York,
Richmond, and Norfolk.
Update: January 6, 2024, at 8:21 a.m. ET
After impacting travel across the Midwest over the weekend, Winter
Storm Blair has made its way to the Mid-Atlantic, where its dumping heavy snow
on major travel destinations, such as Baltimore, Charleston, Cincinnati,
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C.
According to Weather.com,
the region is experiencing moderate to heavy snow with visibility of a half
mile or less, with government officials warning that travel should be avoided
until the storm has passed.
Forecasters expect the snow and sleet to continue throughout
Monday into the evening before tapering off, but the snow and ice left by Winter
Storm Blair is likely to impact travel in some areas Tuesday morning.
As for the airline industry, carriers have already started
issuing travel waivers and waiving change fees, with FlightAware reporting
that 1,446 flights have been canceled and another 789 delayed, as of Monday at
8:13 a.m. ET.
In addition to treacherous road conditions in impacted
areas, Amtrak announced that the winter weather has resulted in delays
and cancellations, with no alternative transportation being offered.
Original Text
Winter Storm Blair is poised to bring intense snow and ice to much of the central and eastern United States through the weekend and into early next week. This system is shaping up to be the most widespread winter event of the season and will cause significant travel disruptions, according to The Weather Channel.
Blair has begun impacting the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, bringing a mix of rain and mountain snow. As the system gains strength, it will shift eastward, spreading across the Plains, Midwest and eventually into the mid-Atlantic region.
Thus far, the National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for parts of the northern Rockies, Plains and Midwest. In these areas, snow, sleet and freezing rain are forecasted, making roadways treacherous. The storm’s effects could extend further as it moves eastward, creating travel difficulties across numerous states.
Authorities recommend avoiding non-essential travel in affected regions. Dangerous road conditions could persist throughout the duration of the storm, increasing the likelihood of accidents and delays. Additionally, icing may cause power outages and tree damage in some areas.
Impact Timeline
Saturday-Saturday Night: Snow will continue to blanket the northern and central Rockies throughout the day. As the evening progresses, snowfall and ice accumulation will increase in the Plains and mid-Mississippi Valley. Key cities such as Kansas City, St. Louis and Wichita are expected to experience worsening road conditions.
Sunday-Sunday Night: The storm will intensify as it moves eastward, with heavy snow spreading from Kansas to West Virginia. Strong winds accompanying the snow will lead to poor visibility. Areas south of the heaviest snowfall, including northeast Oklahoma, southeast Kansas and parts of the Ohio Valley, can expect a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain. Travel will likely become dangerous in cities such as Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Louisville and St. Louis. By Sunday night, the storm’s icy grip will reach the mid-Atlantic, affecting major cities like Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh.
Monday: As the workweek begins, commuters across the mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley and Appalachians will face wintry conditions. Baltimore, Philadelphia, Charleston, Cincinnati, and West Virginia are among the locations that may experience delays or closures due to snow and ice. The storm is forecasted to taper off by Monday night, but lingering snow and ice could continue to affect travel into Tuesday morning.
Travel Waivers
Multiple major U.S. airlines have already begun issuing travel waivers for Winter Storm Blair ahead of the weekend, including:
American Airlines - The airline will waive change fees if customers are scheduled to travel January 4-6, 2025, and purchased their original tickets by January 1, 2025. The waiver is applicable for all fare classes, but passengers will need to rebook for January 3-9, 2025, and origin and destination cities must remain the same. Changes must be made by January 6, 2025, and fare differences may apply.
United Airlines - Those flying to and from affected airports who purchased their tickets on or before January 2, 2025, for travel dates from January 5-6, 2025 can reschedule their trip and the airline will waive change fees and fare differences. New tickets must be in the same cabin and for travel between the same cities as originally booked, and rebooked flights must be United flights departing between January 3, 2025, and January 13, 2025.
JetBlue - The airline will waive change and cancellation fees and fare differences for customers traveling to or from impacted cities from January 4-6, 2025. Customers’ original flights must have been booked on or before January 2, 2025. Rebooked flights must be for travel on or before January 15, 2025. Customers whose flights have been canceled may also opt for a refund to their original form of payment.
Southwest Airlines - Customers with reservations traveling to, from or through affected cities on January 4-6, 2025, may rebook or travel standby within 14 days of their original travel date between the original city pairs without paying additional fees. Also, if Southwest cancels or significantly delays customers' flights, they may be eligible for a refund for the unused ticket, even if the ticket type was non-refundable.
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