Turbulent Skies: Texas Thunderstorms Disrupt Holiday Travel Rush

DALLAS (AP) — Several flights experienced delays or cancellations in Texas on Thursday as a band of thunderstorms began to sweep over sections of the state, with the National Weather Service warning of the potential for strong winds, hail, and possible tornadoes.

Over 100 flights faced delays and many more were canceled at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on Thursday. Additionally, delays and thunderstorm-related cancellations were noted at Dallas’ Love Field and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, according to FlightAware, a company monitoring flights globally.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch, indicating that conditions are conducive to potential tornadoes, for various counties in southeast Texas, including the Houston region. This watch was set to remain in effect until 7:15 p.m. on Thursday.

The highest weather threat was anticipated for an area of Texas east of Dallas, stretching between Houston and parts of southern Arkansas as well as western and northern Louisiana, stated Brian Hurley, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.

“There is a chance of one or more tornadoes with this threat; however, the primary concerns will be intense winds and hail,” Hurley mentioned, noting that he anticipated wind gusts typically ranging from 60 to 80 mph (96 to 128 kph), along with hail measuring one inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter or larger.

Hurley indicated that the storms are likely to advance into southern Arkansas and western and northern Louisiana after dark, creating a potentially hazardous situation for travelers during the holiday.

“People might not have good visibility and may not be as aware of the weather conditions,” he remarked.

North Carolina may experience a similar storm scenario on Sunday, as hundreds will be returning home through Raleigh-Durham International Airport from holiday celebrations or departing for New Year’s Eve gatherings.

While RDU was bustling on Thursday, travelers informed WRAL News that they did not encounter many delays or cancellations.

“We only travel during the holidays. We arrived and thought, ‘Oh, it’s crowded here,’” shared Danielle McCreary, who was in North Carolina from Detroit with her spouse.

Ayden Gazi was less fortunate, as he was on a flight from Dallas to RDU that encountered a delay due to weather conditions.

“It was turbulent on the plane,” he recounted to WRAL News. “Delayed for an hour and a half with turbulence for the first segment.”

A line of storms is anticipated to develop off the coast, bringing heavy rainfall and storms on Sunday throughout the state, including RDU. WRAL meteorologists indicated that there will be “substantial” wind gusts that could complicate flight operations.

Travel specialists predict that over 54 million individuals will fly this holiday season, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous year. Nationally, Dec. 26, Dec. 27, and Dec. 29 are expected to be the peak travel days of the holiday season.

WRAL reporter Shaun Gallagher contributed to this report.