“Skyward Chaos: Over 2,700 Flight Disruptions and Still Rising!”

This report was last updated at 11 am ET on Sunday and will be refreshed periodically throughout the day.

Sunday is expected to be a vexing day for air passengers, as Winter Storm Blair brings snow and sleet across the Central Plains and Midwest. The storm will advance into the East South Central and Mid-Atlantic regions by Sunday evening, affecting the area into Monday.

The U.S. aviation system is experiencing the storm’s ramifications. As of 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, there are 897 flight cancellations and 1,830 flight delays at U.S. airports for the day, according to FlightAware, a complimentary app that offers flight tracking information. Historical trend analysis suggests many additional cancellations will likely occur as the day continues.

FlightAware indicates significant flight cancellations at Kansas City (MCI) and St. Louis Lambert (STL) airports.

ForbesWinter Storm Blair: Airlines Issue Travel Advisories Through MondayBy Suzanne Rowan Kelleher

Leading U.S. airlines are providing travel waivers that enable passengers traveling to or from affected airports to rebook without incurring fare differences, although the number of airports included varies significantly by airline. For instance, American Airlines’ travel advisory extends to 46 airports whereas Delta Air Lines’ advisory encompasses 20 airports.

For travelers aiming to adjust itineraries or retrieve travel costs, much will hinge on the airline, travel route, and, in some cases, whether a travel insurance policy was obtained.

If you are flying through an airport listed in a travel advisory, it is essential to seize airline waiver offerings as promptly as possible. Early adopters typically have the most options for rescheduling flights to another day.

How to Anticipate and Handle a Flight Delay or Cancellation

Even if you’re not departing from an area impacted by the storm, be cautious of potential disruptions. Statistically, your flight has a higher probability of being delayed the later your departure time is. Flight disruptions often create a cascading effect since airlines utilize the same aircraft for multiple flights throughout a day. Thus, if a plane is delayed or canceled on one flight, it may arrive late for its subsequent flight, and so forth.

A useful feature on FlightAware allows you to know if your aircraft is delayed, which can give you an early alert that a problem might be occurring. Input your flight details, then click on the “Where is my plane now?” link just below the flight number. This will let you see if the plane is ahead of schedule, on time, or delayed, enabling you to take appropriate action.

Download the airline’s app and verify your flight status prior to heading to the airport. Most alerts are not provided at the last moment, so this may save you an unnecessary trip to the airport. If you find yourself at the airport and receive a notification that your flight has been delayed or canceled, throngs of passengers will rush to the service desk. However, often you can assist yourself more efficiently through the app. Additionally, be on the lookout for self-service kiosks branded by your airline.

Nevertheless, there are instances when personal assistance from an airline representative becomes necessary. It will operate on a first-come, first-served basis at the counter, so if you suspect early that your flight may face delays, stay close to the departure gate. When it is your turn, remain courteous. Keep in mind, the representative is having a difficult day as well.