Winter Storm Impact: Driving Warnings, Hundreds Of Flights Canceled

With cold waves freezing the United States, American Airlines issued a statement informing travelers about canceled flights following the extreme low temperatures due to the winter storm.

The airline advised passengers to check their flight status before departing for the airport. On Wednesday, it canceled 800 flights, and announced that 625 flights would be canceled Thursday, a Reuters reporter tweeted Wednesday evening, citing a statement issued by the airline.

Customers whose itinerary was impacted could change their fights without having to give any change fee. Further information is available on the airline's official website.

Newark Liberty International Airport also tweeted about the disruptions in the schedule of many flights, and advised flyers to check the status with their airlines before leaving their houses.

Several alerts were issued in different parts of the country to ensure the safety of residents. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown issued a ban on driving in the city until 7 a.m. EST Thursday due to the hazardous weather conditions, NBC-affiliate WGRZ reported. Residents were cautioned of dangerous conditions caused by lake-effect snow and high winds.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also requested residents to turn down their thermostats to 65 degrees due to high demand for natural gas, because of the freezing weather conditions, and after a plea by utility company Consumers Energy after one of its natural gas compressor stations was hit by fire.

Several states declared an emergency as the winter storm hit the Midwest. People were asked to remain in their homes to avoid frostbite, which can happen in a matter of minutes outdoors.