A powerful winter storm sweeping across the eastern United States has led to thousands of flight cancellations and delays, compounded by a partial government shutdown that is affecting airport security screeners. By late afternoon on Monday, flight delays within, into, or out of the US totalled 9,112, with 4,763 cancellations, according to FlightAware.
The storm system dumped up to 36 inches of snow in the Midwest and threatened the East Coast with high winds and possible 'long-track tornadoes', the National Weather Service warned. The high risk of severe weather extends from southern Pennsylvania to central South Carolina, including Washington DC, Baltimore, Richmond and Raleigh.
The disruptions come as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers missed their first full paycheck due to the partial government shutdown, which affects only the Department of Homeland Security. It is the third shutdown in less than a year to leave TSA staff temporarily without pay. Some airports have reported longer security lines because of staffing shortages as more TSA workers take on second jobs or leave the profession.
More than 300 TSA agents have quit since the shutdown began, according to Homeland Security. Aaron Barker, a local union leader with the American Federation of Government Employees, said many TSA workers 'are coping with eviction notices, vehicle repossessions, empty refrigerators and overdrawn bank accounts'. He added: 'Officers are pissed off.'
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered ground stops at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta and Charlotte Douglas airports, along with ground delays at JFK and Newark Liberty. Some airports, such as Louis Armstrong in New Orleans, advised travellers to arrive at least three hours early due to 'impacts from the federal government’s partial shutdown'.
