Ground stops at Atlanta and Charlotte airports as US braces for huge storms

Ground stops have been issued at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) as the US braces itself for major storms.

On March 16, 2026, the Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, turned to social media to confirm that at least 2,000 flights had been cancelled with more than 9,500 flights delayed in the face of severe weather.

Flights leaving Hartsfield-Jackson and Charlotte Jackson have been grounded due to thunderstorms while wind has caused a ground delay at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

“Bad weather can delay, disrupt or even divert flights. Before heading to CLT Airport, check your flight status directly with your airline for the latest updates,” wrote Charlotte Jackson Airport on social media.

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) also warned of high winds and rain, while Richmond Airport (RIC) said that possible “thunderstorms, destructive winds, and tornadoes” in Central Virginia could force delays and cancellations.

There is a high risk for severe weather in Central Virginia today. Thunderstorms, destructive winds, and tornadoes are possible. If you are traveling, please check with your airline for potential delays and cancelations. RIC is closely monitoring the conditions and working… pic.twitter.com/Eka3aQIILP— Richmond Airport RIC (@Flack4RIC) March 16, 2026 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) highlighted Atlanta, Charlotte, Boston and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) as the most likely to experience delays due to thunderstorms, as well as in New York, Washington, DC and southern and central Florida.

The FAA also said snow and wind could affect operations at Midway International Airport (MDW) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

“Severe weather on the East Coast is causing flight delays and cancellations at airports. Be sure to check your flight status with your airline before leaving home,” said a spokesperson for the FAA.

Delta Air Lines warned that over 40 cities in eastern north America may be affected due to “forecast inclement weather”. The airline was offering passenger rebooking options for flights on March 16, and March 17, 2026.

In the latest update from the National Weather Service, it said that “widespread severe storms are expected across the entire eastern US with the highest threat over the interior Mid-Atlantic, where there is a risk for damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes”.

Severe Thunderstorms will be an issue today across the Mid-Atlantic down into the Carolinas. In fact, the SPC has issued a rare 4/5 risk for the I-95 corridor. Damaging straight-line winds and tornadoes are both a concern. As for us, the front is now coming through with a… pic.twitter.com/4WnAKy7Xz6— Brandon Stover (@BrandonWxWCHS) March 16, 2026 According to the BBC, on March 16, 2026, more than a dozen states are under a wind advisory.

In other areas of the country there are also warnings of extreme weather. Major winter storms continue across the upper Midwest to the upper Great Lakes while an early heatwave begins to intensify and expand east across western areas of the US.

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