Severe Storms Disrupt Over 15,000 Flights Across the U.S.

Severe storms have led to the cancellation or delay of over 15,000 flights across the United States as of Monday, the 16th. According to Ming Pao, the most affected airports include those in New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Chicago, with some airports temporarily halting operations. The U.S. National Weather Service issued warnings that the storm will continue to impact the Midwest, North, and Northeast regions, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and even tornadoes. In response to the adverse weather conditions, schools and public facilities in areas such as Maryland and Washington D.C. closed early. This extreme weather coincides with a busy travel period at airports. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security is experiencing a shutdown due to funding issues, resulting in a significant shortage of security personnel, further complicating travel for passengers.