Wintry weather strands S. Florida travelers
23.01.2007, 10:25
The foul weather up North left South Florida travelers stranded as dozens of flights were canceled.
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At Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airports the ticket counters were packed as travelers tried to get to their destinations. Among the major carriers canceling flights were American Airlines, United and Continental. The main culprit was the huge winter storm pounding the Midwest and headed east. It grounded passengers headed to Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia and other cities.
In Illinois, the weather forced cancellation of nearly 200 flights at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and about 35 flights at Midway Airport. Utility crews are finding power lines coated with two inches of ice in some places.
Marc Henderson of MIA's Aviation Department said so far 32 flights had been canceled and that passengers should check with their airlines before heading to the airport.
''We don't know when the situation will be back to normal,'' he said. ``Passengers should check with their airlines to find out when service to [their destinations] will be restored.''
At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 23 flights were canceled due to the same weather conditions, said Greg Meyer, a spokesperson.
''It's busy at the airport but no incidents,'' he said. ``The airlines have been very proactive in informing passengers.''
Miami Herald staff writer Jacqueline Charles contributed to this report.