DALLAS — Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is suspending all operations from Love Field Thursday, as a significant winter storm system approaches North Texas.
All of the northern part of the state is under a winter storm watch - likely to get upgraded to a warning - ahead of the system, which is expected to bring a mixture of freezing rain, sleet and snow.
Southwest customers should visit the airline's website for flight information and more, the company said.
While the airline is suspending operations, a city spokesman said the terminal at Love Field will be open because it is a "24-hour facility." Teams there will be working to clear ice and snow from the runway, taxiways, Herb Kelleher Way and any walkways.
The city said the airfield will remain open unless the FAA determines it is no longer safe for operations.
Meanwhile, Fort Worth-based American Airlines said it has also canceled the "vast majority of impacted flights" in the northeast and central parts of the U.S. so it could "proactively notify and accommodate our customers and avoid last-minute disruptions at the airport."
Customers whose travel plans are impacted by the storm will be able to rebook without change fees, the airlines said.
Parts of the metroplex could see anywhere between .10"-.25" of ice, with northern counties seeing up to .50" in the coming days. Snow, which will begin falling after ice, could accumulate up to 3" in counties north and west of Tarrant County.
Travel will be difficult, especially on bridges and overpasses. Ice accumulations and gusty winds on utility lines could cause power disruptions. Cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
You'll want to pay close attention to this storm. Turn on WFAA at 10 p.m. each night this week with Chief Meteorologist Pete Delkus. He's covered many a winter event, and will make sure you know what you need to each night.