FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - The historic blizzard that blanketed the Northeast led to a travel freeze across the country that’s expected to last for a while, but travelers at South Florida airports are finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Despite a forecast that doesn’t favor air travel, passengers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport who spoke to 7News on Tuesday said they’re feeling optimistic and feeling good about getting home.
They’re less enthusiastic about the frigid weather waiting for them back up north.
Among those waiting to board their flights at FLL was Allison, who said she’s determined to stay positive.
“We weren’t sure if we would need to reschedule for later this week, but fingers crossed, we’ll be OK,” she said.
For these unflappable travelers, optimism is the only carry-on they need — especially when facing a blizzard of delays and cancellations.
“We’re going to Boston, but the flight’s on time,” said a traveler.
Tuesday morning’s sunnier outlook at South Florida airport comes after a nor’easter that swept across northeastern states.
“We got 30 inches of snow up north in New York, so just took it as it is,” said another traveler. “Canceled out of LaGuardia, so we’re going into Rochester on the other side of the state, and hopefully we can get home.”
As Boston, New York City and other cities dig their way out, flights on Tuesday were seemingly taking off on time after hundreds of cancellations since the weekend.
Officials in those frozen states have warned residents that the icy conditions make going outside dangerous.
“Falling ice and snow from rooftops, from the tree branches and even from power lines as the temperatures fluctuate a little bit,” said Montgomery County Fire Chief Pete Piringer in Maryland.
The heavy wet snow led to major power outages across the area, including hundreds of thousands who were left in the dark across Massachusetts.
“We’ve got the crews. When does the wind die down enough so that it’s safe enough for people to get out in bucket trucks, that’s one thing that needs to happen,” said Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey.
It made for an extended weekend of sunshine for some travelers, many of whom said they aren’t so ready to face the bitter cold.
“You know, it is what it is, an extended vacation a little bit,” said a traveler.
“It’s going to be really cold back home, and we don’t even have hats,” said Allison.
Meteorologists said there’s another storm expected to move across the Northeast on Wednesday and cover the region with a few more inches of snow. Carriers warn there could be disruptions throughout the week.
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