The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a ground delay for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport because of thunderstorms in metro Phoenix, according to the FAA's National Airspace System Status website.
The National Weather Service predicted a 70% chance of rainfall and thunderstorms on Thursday, Oct. 22, in metro Phoenix because of a strong weather disturbance. A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect through 11 a.m. and a flood watch was in effect through 5 p.m.
The ground delay took effect at 6:30 a.m. Thursday and was expected to remain through 12:59 p.m., according to the FAA.
Thursday's forecast for thunderstorms follows a powerful storm affecting the Phoenix area on Wednesday, Oct. 21, producing heavy rain, wind, hail and a possible
tornado.
The ground delay from the weather disrupted multiple flights at Sky Harbor. Here's how many were affected.
How many flights were disrupted at Phoenix Sky Harbor?
A total of 131 flights were delayed at Sky Harbor as of 6:30 a.m. Thursday, but none were canceled so far, flight tracking website FlightAware showed.
Sky Harbor had 318 delayed flights on Wednesday partly from the storms, though only one flight was canceled, according to FlightAware.
What is a ground delay?
A ground delay is an air traffic procedure when flights destined for an airport experiencing adverse conditions must delay their takeoffs, according to the FAA.
It's related to, but different from, a ground stop, which requires all aircraft remain on the ground. It's frequently used when it's not safe for flights to take off or land at an airport.
While the FAA can order ground stops and ground delays at airports, it does not cancel flights. That's up to the airlines.
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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@usatodayco.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hundreds of flights delayed at Phoenix Sky Harbor due to storms
