HOUSTON — Severe weather caused travel disruptions at Houston's airports on Monday.
At Hobby Airport, lightning struck a runway and caused damage that had to be repaired before it could be used again, which led to a ground stop being issued.
Airport officials said runway 13R was immediately closed for repairs. It was patched up and repaired by 7 p.m. Monday but not before prompting several cancellations and delays.
"It's been exhausting. It's horrible I'm, ready to go home," one traveler said. "They canceled it again. They just canceled our flight again."
"An easy 50-minute flight from Hobby to New Orleans turning into quite the ordeal," another traveler said. "We've been waiting to get booked since 3:30 this afternoon. They just rebooked us for 11 p.m."
Airport officials said the strike hit at the worst possible spot, where two runways meet.
“I’m not trying to offend the city of Houston but we don’t want to be here. We want to go home,” Mary Ann Doneth, a traveler, said. “Southwest Airlines can’t get us on another flight until Thursday. We said that’s unacceptable. We’ve need to get home. We’ve been on a trip trying to get home. Don’t have medication for the next several days.”
By 7 p.m., the airport announced flights could safely take off and land once more.
Some flights that were scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday are now scheduled for takeoff just before midnight. Airport officials said normal operations should resume Tuesday morning, but it's best to check with your airline.
Here's the full statement from the Houston Airport System:
"Inclement weather is causing flight delays, and earlier this afternoon, we experienced a lightning strike on runway 13R, which forced an immediate closure for repairs. The safety of our passengers and crews is our top priority. We are working diligently to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs to reopen runway 13R as quickly and safely as possible.
"We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to resolve this situation. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
"Thank you for your patience and understanding."