1700+ Flights Canceled As Florida Airports Close

The Miami Herald reports:

Palm Beach International Airport will suspend flight operations at 9 p.m. Wednesday. Airport leaders say PBIA is not a shelter for people or cars. The region’s other two major airports, Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, remain open, although flights could be canceled or delayed. Palm Beach International joins several other major Florida airports in ceasing operations as Milton approaches the Gulf Coast of Florida. The Tampa, Bradenton and Orlando airports also have announced shutdowns.

Reuters reports:

As of Wednesday morning, 288 flights within, into, or out of the United States were delayed, and 1721 were canceled, with that number expected to rise, according to flight tracking data provider FlightAware. Southwest, one of the largest U.S. airlines, said it was adjusting its schedule at several airports that were pausing operations, including Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airport. A growing number of gasoline retailers were flashing empty signs on Tuesday as residents took to panic buying.

The usual ripple effect is expected to snarl air travel across the country as the day goes on.