Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Winter Storm Disrupts Flights, Power in South
A big winter storm brought a lot of snow and very cold temperatures to the southeastern US, especially North Carolina and Florida.
The storm caused many flights to be canceled, with Charlotte airport being the most affected.
Over 1,200 flights were canceled on Sunday, and nearly 2,500 on Saturday.
The cold and snow also caused power outages, with almost 178,000 homes and businesses without electricity.
Duke Energy asked people to use less energy to help prevent more outages.
The storm also led to many car accidents in North Carolina.
The weather is expected to get a little better in the coming days, but it will still be colder than usual.
A winter storm brought up to 14 inches of snow in North Carolina and 12 inches along the coast, causing widespread flight cancellations and power outages.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport was the hardest hit, with 809 flights canceled on February 1, following 581 cancellations by American Airlines on January 31.
Duke Energy requested customers in the Carolinas to reduce energy demand to prevent temporary power outages, advising to lower thermostats and delay using large appliances.
The storm caused 750 car crashes in North Carolina and left 178,000 homes and businesses without power, with many outages persisting since an ice storm last week.
The cold affected Florida's citrus crops, with snow reported in Tampa and extreme cold warnings across the state, including a low of 36°F in Miami.
- Who
- Passengers, airlines, utility companies, residents in affected areas
- What
- Winter storm causes flight cancellations, power outages, and travel disruptions
- When
- January 31 - February 1, 2024
- Where
- Southeastern US, particularly North Carolina and Florida
- Why
- Heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and high demand for heating
- Date
- January 31 - February 1, 2024
- Location
- Southeastern US, particularly North Carolina and Florida
- Snowfall
- Up to 14 inches inland, 12 inches along the coast
- Flight Cancellations (Jan 31)
- 2,469 nationwide, 581 by American Airlines
- Flight Cancellations (Feb 1)
- 1,289 nationwide, 809 at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
- Power Outages
- 178,000 homes and businesses affected
- Car Crashes in North Carolina
- 750
- Utility Conservation Request
- Duke Energy asks customers to reduce energy demand
