LAX Flights Halted by Thunderstorms
A powerful storm system moving through Southern California prompted a ground stop at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Tuesday due to thunderstorms. The stoppage caused numerous flight delays and cancellations. While a flash flood warning for Los Angeles County has been lifted, a flood advisory remains in effect as more rain is expected.
- The storm system was identified as a potent atmospheric river, a type of storm known for drawing a long plume of moisture from the tropics. This particular event was the first of three storms anticipated to hit Southern California in the same week. - On the preceding day, Monday, February 16, LAX experienced significant disruptions, recording the highest number of arrival delays globally, with 317 flights affected. - Across the United States on Tuesday, February 17, which was also Presidents Day, there were a total of 3,296 flight disruptions, comprising 186 cancellations and 3,110 delays. - The National Weather Service had issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for central Los Angeles County on Monday, which expired on the morning of Tuesday, February 17. - A flood watch remained in effect for Los Angeles County into Tuesday, with forecasters predicting more rain to arrive in the evening. Evacuation warnings for several burn scar areas were also in effect until 9 a.m. on Tuesday. - While disruptive, weather-related issues are not the primary cause of delays at LAX. Annually, only about 9.8% of delays at the airport are attributed to weather. - The storm was expected to bring rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches in coastal and valley areas, with 2 to 5 inches anticipated in the mountains by the end of Monday. - In addition to the rain, the storm system brought strong winds, with gusts of up to 70 mph reported in some areas.
