“It’s not rare for minor snow in Atlanta but I think it’s rare for them to get two major snow storms in the same winter,” Storm Center 7 Chief Meteorologist Jamie Simpson said.
Several airlines canceled flights into Dayton as well, including Airtran, Delta and US Airways.
In a preemptive more, Delta officials announced they were canceling at least 1,600 mainline flights Wednesday, the majority of those going to and from Atlanta. The airline nixed 573 flights Tuesday, including mainline and Delta Connection.
Company spokesman Morgan Durrant said the cancellations were “due to winter weather” and “the impending ice event.”
Delta offered passengers a waiver for flights into and out of their southeast region until Feb. 13.
Travellers at Dayton International Airport Tuesday said they’ve learned to check flight schedules early and often during the winter months.
“I have a couple of different apps,” said Carla Brecht, a passenger bound for Philadelphia. “I’ve just been checking on my phone just to make sure everything’s going to be okay.”
Wallace Baylor of Pennsylvania said his flight was on schedule Tuesday but that checking ahead is a must for winter travelers.
“It comes with the territory. Try to plan as best you can but nothing is guaranteed,” he said.
While Atlanta’s forecast looks messy, the Miami Valley won’t be affected by the system that’s hitting the south, Simpson said.
“A better day awaits Wednesday after a cold start,” he said. “We will see a lot of sun until some clouds arrive late.”
Temperatures are expected be in the mid-20s with lows dipping into the teens.
Thursday’s predicted high is 34 degrees, and if it holds true it will mark only the second time in February it’s been above freezing. More snow is expected to arrive Friday but Simpson said accumulation is expected to be less than 1 inch.
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