Hurricane Idalia-Image Source: Leader Ship News
In the wake of Hurricane Idalia, a powerful Category 3 storm, airlines in the United States have canceled over 850 flights as it made its way from the coastal region of Big Bend, Florida. As per FlightAware.com, a website that tracks flight movement, Southwest Airlines canceled more than 200 flights, while Delta Airlines canceled 148 flights and American Airlines canceled 98 flights, as of 8:17 am local time.
Additionally, approximately 795 flights have been delayed due to the storm. Airports in Tampa, Clearwater, and Tallahassee have suspended operations and are closely monitoring the storm’s progress. Idalia, which draws strength from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to bring destructive winds and heavy rainfall, with levels reaching up to 4.88 meters.
Idalia intensified from a tropical storm to a hurricane early Tuesday after passing through western Cuba, causing damage to homes, power outages, flooding villages, and triggering mass evacuations.
Table summarizing flight cancellations:
| Airline | Canceled Flights |
|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | 200 |
| Delta Airlines | 148 |
| American Airlines | 98 |
