Hundreds Of Ohio Flights Canceled Thursday Amid Winter Storm

OHIO — Hundreds of flights were canceled Thursday across Ohio, leading to travel headaches for weary travelers who were already dealing with a bitter cold and snow.

In northeast Ohio, 100 departing flights were canceled at Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport, or about 72 percent, according to the flight tracking site FlightAware. Another 95 arriving flights were also canceled, or 68 percent.

In southwest Ohio, 103 departing flights were canceled and 98 arriving flights were canceled at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. That represented 57 percent and 71 percent of flights, respectively.

At James M. Cox Dayton International Airport in Dayton, 21 departing flights were canceled, or 60 percent of departures, while 19 arrivals were canceled, representing 55 percent of flights.

In central Ohio, about 108 flights were canceled Thursday that were scheduled to leave John Glenn Columbus International Airport. That represented about 80 percent of flights. About 100 flights arriving at the airport were also canceled, or about 77 percent.

The travel headaches come as a winter storm bore down on the state Thursday, leading to winter storm warnings across Ohio.

The National Weather Service predicted the Cleveland region could see heavy snow of up to 10 inches in some areas. Blustery winds of up to 35 mph were also possible for north-central, northeast and northwest Ohio until Friday morning.

"Travel could be very difficult," the weather service said. "Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and especially the Thursday evening commute."

Furthermore, temperatures were expected to reach the low teens overnight, with wind chill values dipping to as low as 5 degrees below zero.

The Columbus area could see up to 7 inches of snow and sleet, as well as up to one-tenth of an inch of ice and 35 mph wind gusts.

And in Cincinnati, up to 4 inches of snow and sleet were expected, as well as up to a half-inch of ice and blustery winds. Both areas were also to see wind chill values fall to at or below zero degrees Friday through Saturday morning.