The Bay Area is coping with a huge storm that has impacted San Francisco International Airport during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
According to NBC Bay Area, the inclement weather caused over 60 cancellations and more than 430 delays on Wednesday alone. With the storm expected to last longer, many planning to travel for Thanksgiving are putting their plans to the test.
As the rain fell this morning, KTVU reported that travelers at San Francisco International Airport were experiencing more than 100 delays and dozens of cancellations. Bucky Dingler, who had nowhere to stay at the airport, was forced to sleep while he looked unsuccessfully for a hotel room. “They just kept delaying the flight,” he told KTVU.
Despite fewer delays reported early this morning at adjacent Oakland and San Jose airports, the situation might worsen as the storm is expected to peak between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. today.
Mykayla Williamson, a Stanford student, expressed fear to KTVU about making it home for a cousin’s wedding over the weekend as she attempted to escape the commotion. “I was concerned about travel delays,” she admitted. “I’ve seen storms hit the Washington area and the Seattle area. I’ve been nervous about making it home for Thanksgiving.”
Amid the cancellations and interruptions, aviation expert Mike McCarron emphasized the importance of travelers staying informed.
“If we can’t get out of this weather, which it doesn’t look like we’re going to until sometime next week, all these people could be delayed and probably will be delayed to their destination,” McCaron stated, per NBC Bay Area.