Airliners are built to handle the elements and can even withstand lightning storms thousands of feet in the air. However, hailstones can damage just about anything, and the inclement weather prompted one airline to take action.
According to a report by FOX Weather, severe storms have wreaked havoc on unfortunate passengers hoping to fly from Atlanta. The outlet explains there have been numerous delays owing to flash floods and hail. Delta Airlines reportedly said in a statement that 90 flights were diverted to other nearby airports on Friday night. The company also revealed that they pulled 100 planes from service at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to inspect them for damage caused by hail.
Delta shared a statement with the outlet, which reads, “Delta people are working as safely and quickly as possible to recover flights impacted by thunderstorms, lightning, hail and winds at our Atlanta hub Friday night. We thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding.”
Engineers reportedly worked overnight to complete inspections on the affected aircraft. Delta told FOX Weather, “Nearly all are returning to service Saturday.”
Weather Woes Continue To Disrupt Airline Travel
A Delta spokesperson reportedly said, “The weather impacts have resulted in more than 380 system cancellations for Saturday.” The airline also expected disruptions and cancellations as staff completed “required rest” and maintained the aircraft.
The FAA told the outlet that Hartsfield-Jackson Airport had a “ground stop” between 7:11 PM and 8:30 PM on Friday. The hail was an issue, but so were the high winds. The gusts were reportedly so strong that many air traffic controllers evacuated the Atlanta tower. Only a few stayed on-site to assist incoming aircraft. FOX 5 Atlanta clarified that only two workers remained inside.
Heat, as well as hailstorms, have battered the US in recent weeks. Last week, a bystander was filming a bulge in the road in Missouri as temperatures soared. The road eventually split, turning the bulge into a ramp that even launched a car into the air. The vehicle appeared to be undamaged, even though the bumper hit the ground on the way down.