These are some of the worst US cities for winter weather flight delays
The airports most likely to suffer weather-related delays change with the forecast, but these cities have consistent problems with snow and ice.
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The airports most likely to suffer weather-related delays change with the forecast, but some cities are notorious for delays from winter weather.
First, a few notes: All travelers should keep an eye out for flight delays. Bad weather can snarl your plans, even if it’s happening far from your destination. That’s because snowstorms and other bad weather can cause rippling effects in the nation’s complex air network.
But if you’re headed to the airport for a vacation this holiday season, you should pay especially close attention to the forecast if you’re traveling through these cities, which have a history of winter weather problems:
Chicago
- Why it can be bad for winter weather: Frequent snowstorms, strong winds and fog combine to make Chicago one of the nation’s most delay-prone cities during the holidays.
- Key stats: The Windy City boasts over 26,000 annual weather delays, the Weather Channel reports, and 30.8% of holiday-season delays are caused by snow and wind, according to bestlifeonline.com. Chicago averages 15 days with snow each December. Because the city averages more snowy days than any Northeast hub each year, wintry weather can be a major hassle for the city, the Weather Channel said. Overall, Chicago sees about 28 days of snow per year on average.
- Major airports in the region: Chicago O’Hare International Airport; Chicago Midway International Airport
Newark, New Jersey
- Why it can be bad for winter weather: East Coast storms and congestion amplify delays. “If you’re late flying into Newark, weather is probably the reason,” said Weather Channel meteorologist Jonathan Erdman.
- Key stat: 42.1% of holiday delays are tied to weather in this area. “In the 10 years we examined, there was an almost 2-in-3 chance a delay at Newark was due to weather, far more than any other major U.S. airport,” Erdman said.
- Major airport in the region: Newark Liberty International Airport
New York City
- Why it can be bad for winter weather: Snow and ice events frequently disrupt operations. Snowstorms are the most frequent instigators of massive flight delays and cancellations at the area’s big airports.
- Key stats: Often ranked among one of the top cities for winter-weather delays. On average, snow is reported on 7 days each December in New York.
- Major airports in the region: LaGuardia Airport; John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Boston
- Why it can be bad for winter weather: Nor’easters and coastal storms often cause cascading delays across the Northeast, reports upgradedpoints.com.
- Key stats: Boston boasts about 11 days with snow each December. Overall, winter weather can have major effects in this city, where there’s roughly a 50% chance of at least one 10-inch or more snowfall every season, the Weather Channel said.
- Major airport in the region: Logan International Airport
Detroit
- Why it can be bad for winter weather: Lake-effect snow and Midwest storm tracks lead to significant disruptions.
- Key stat: The city averages 9 inches of snow each December.
- Major airport in the region: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
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