Atlanta winter storm: Ground stop at Atlanta airport Friday morning, 600+ cancelations

As a winter storm moves through metro Atlanta, many travelers with flights scheduled for today are worried about getting out of town.

Airlines around the country have canceled hundreds of flights over the last few days due to the wintry weather.

RELATED: Live Atlanta winter storm updates: Snow and ice picking up across Georgia

9:30 A.M. – The ground stop has been extended until 12 p.m. According to the latest numbers from FlightAware, 615 flights total (inbound and outbound) have been canceled and 430 flights have been delayed. 

  • Delta: 153/409
  • Southwest: 126/1
  • Frontier: 72/1
  • Spirit: 33/0
  • American Airlines: 25/1
  • United: 21/2

8:20 A.M. – A ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was reported by United States Department of Transportation/National Airspace System Status at 7:50 a.m. According to their website, it is scheduled to end at 10 a.m. 

Hartsfield-Jackson sent the following statement:

We’re monitoring the forecast and conditions and working with our partners to address any challenges posed by the inclement weather. We’ve implemented our winter weather protocol and remind our passengers to monitor their airlines’ social media channels and apps for flight information.

7:30 A.M. – As of 7:30 a.m., 295 flights (29%) out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport had been canceled, and 175 flights were delayed, according to FlightAware.

Additionally, 299 flights into Atlanta have been canceled, and 158 flights have been delayed.

Delta Air Lines, based in Atlanta, has canceled 144 flights so far, and 317 flights have been delayed.

Southwest Airlines, the second-largest carrier at Hartsfield-Jackson, is not far behind in cancelations, with 126 flights.

Additionally, Frontier Airlines has canceled 97% of its flights, American Airlines has canceled 71%, and Spirit Airlines has canceled 64%.

FOX 5 Atlanta has reached out to Hartsfield-Jackson for a statement on the current conditions at the airport. 

Total cancelations in the U.S. so far today equal 2,272, while total delays amount to 10,955.

As of 7:45 a.m., snow is falling in the city of Atlanta and many surrounding areas.

Snowfall of 2 to 4 inches is predicted north of Interstate 20, with up to 6 inches possible in extreme North Georgia. Metro Atlanta could see up to 3 inches of snow and a quarter inch of ice.

Driving will be dangerous, with slick roads and potential power outages caused by ice on trees and power lines. Residents are advised to avoid travel and keep emergency supplies ready.

Anyone planning to fly today should check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Additionally, allow extra time for travel to the airport, as roads remain treacherous despite the efforts of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

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