Large storm threatens Thanksgiving travels

Associated Press

A large storm already blamed for at least eight deaths in the West slogged through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and other parts of the Southwest on Sunday, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations as it slowly churned east ahead of Thanksgiving.

After the storm plows through the Southwest, meteorologists expect the Arctic mass to head south and east, threatening plans for Tuesday and Wednesday as people hit the roads and airports for some of the busiest travel days of the year.

More than 300 flights were canceled at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, representing about one-third of the scheduled departures, and a spokeswoman said deicing equipment had been prepared as officials planned for the worst in a flurry of conference calls and meetings.

“It’s certainly going to be a travel impact as we see the first few people making their way for Thanksgiving,” National Weather Service meteorologist Tom Bradshaw said.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for chunks of North Texas from noon Sunday until midday today. Parts of Oklahoma also are under a winter storm warning, while an advisory has been issued for other parts of the state.

A mix of rain and sleet began falling north of Dallas on Interstate 35 by midday Sunday, and areas of southwestern Oklahoma woke up to several inches of snow.