Several flights delayed and canceled, and weather could get worse.
CALUMET -- Blizzard conditions sweeping across the Midwest have already caused 300 flights to be canceled and even more delayed at airports including Chicago’s O’Hare and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
These changes have created a number of problems for passengers all over and especially right here in the U.P.
A few very lucky holiday travelers were able to fly out before the storm from Houghton County Airport Thursday morning.
"I feel very fortunate that I, if I, get out of here," said passenger Joan Hembroff who was flying to visit family in Alaska.
Their 7:20 flight did take off just a little behind schedule, but even as they prepared to board, the winter weather was already picking up which could affect their later connections.
"I’m not worried right now,” said passenger Kass Simila who was on her way to visit family in South Carolina. “I won't worry until I have to, but really what good is worrying? I'm not going to worry."
Both of the afternoon flights arriving and departing at Houghton County Airport were cancelled Wednesday night, leaving the holiday plans of dozens of passengers up in the air.
But people stranded in the Keweenaw aren't alone. Another morning flight out of the Gogebic-Iron County Airport had to be cancelled because of freezing conditions where the plane originated.
"It’s always a tough decision for the airlines when they have to cancel full flights especially during the holidays, but safety is number one in the airline business," said Houghton County Airport Manager Dennis Hext.
All six of the U.P. airports say they'll be watching closely as the weather makes its way across Upper Michigan this weekend, so if you're scheduled to fly out in the next few days, you'll want to check with the airport before you arrive.
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