Over 1,700 flights canceled, 3,000 delayed on Monday amid deadly Arctic storm

A deadly winter storm continues to wreak havoc on travelers after the busy Bank Holiday weekend as airlines canceled hundreds of flights across the country again on Monday.

As of 11 a.m. ET Monday, more than 1,700 flights within, to or from the United States have already been canceled, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. Another 3,000 flights are delayed.

Travel problems as a result of the Arctic blast are plaguing airports across the country, with the most cancellations and delays Monday being reported at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Denver International, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall and Chicago Midway International, FlightAware shows.

Denver International was hit particularly hard as the storm kicked up snow and brought freezing temperatures. Southwest Airlines remains in an “operational emergency” at Denver International for a third day, KDVR-TV reported, adding that some are waiting at least an hour and a half to check a bag. Hundreds of unclaimed bags from the chaotic bank holiday weekend were seen lined up on and near conveyor belts Monday morning.

Dangerous weather forced Buffalo Niagara International Airport to close on Friday, as airport officials said high winds caused snowdrifts and poor visibility. The airport is scheduled to reopen at 11 a.m. on Tuesday

Meanwhile, the death toll in western New York rose. As of Monday, 25 storm-related deaths have been confirmed by the Eric County Medical Examiner’s office, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said. Some were found dead in cars or outside as dangerous conditions and impassable roads halted rescue efforts.

“The rescue team rescued rescuers,” Poloncarz said during a press conference on Sunday. “It was so awful.”

On the roads, a travel ban remains in effect throughout Buffalo Monday, the Buffalo Police Department said, warning, “Please do not drive at this time or you could face a subpoena.”

Video shows cars buried in snow Monday on city streets as some areas received more than 4 feet, the National Weather Service reported. The New York State Police tweeted that they “supported snow removal crews in search and rescue.”

While more snow is forecast for the Buffalo area, temperatures will be warmer this week.