Record snowfall at MSP airport has brought hundreds of delays and cancellations amid peak spring break travel season, and dangerous roads have caused an increase in traffic throughout the Twin Cities.
On Sunday morning, over 110 flights were canceled, and on Monday, more than 40 will follow, according to Jeff Lea with The Metropolitan Airports Commissions.
Lea shared that the storm comes at the tail end of a major travel season at MSP.
“Sunday was also a big liftoff day, so some of those cancellations, I’m sure, had a ripple effect for people that were ready to get out of town for some of their spring break travels or for business or other reasons,” Lea said.
As temperatures return to above freezing, he says he believes the worst is behind us, but travelers should still plan ahead.
“Stay in contact with your airline for the latest flight updates, whether there’s cancellations or delays,” Lea said, adding to also “get to the airport on time.”
Two winter operations teams are working around the clock to keep runways clear over the next few days.
As for the roadways around the Twin Cities, MnDOT spokeswoman Anne Meyer is giving one piece of advice for those who are traveling: stay aware.
“What you see out there now might be different two hours from now, might be different two hours from then. You just want to keep aware of what is happening because we have seen such a change over the last 24 and 48 hours,” Meyer said.
Meyer says the traditional trouble spots like ramps and bridges have the potential to be icy as temperatures fluctuate, on top of the several inches of wet sloppy snow already gearing up for a second round tomorrow.
The forecast for this week says more snow and cold temperatures are on the way, meaning winter isn’t quite done with us yet.
“We’re not out of the woods yet. We got temperature ranges that are going to go up and down. We’ve still got moisture coming into Minnesota,” Meyer said. “So, all the more reasons to be alert, be aware, and be prepared.”