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FAA Ground Stops at Reagan National and BWI Snarl D.C.-Area Air Travel as Severe Storms Hit

Severe convective weather forced controllers to slow operations, triggering cascading delays.

Overview

  • The FAA ordered a second ground stop at Reagan National until 3 p.m., and BWI halted traffic from about 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. before lifting the restriction.
  • By early afternoon, Reagan National recorded 242 cancellations and 252 delays with average waits near 102 minutes, according to FlightAware.
  • BWI logged about 160 cancellations and 143 delays, while Dulles reported 24 cancellations and 208 delays, based on FlightAware snapshots.
  • NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center flagged a 15% tornado risk for Washington, D.C., and parts of Virginia, warning of possible EF-2+ tornadoes and 60–80 mph wind gusts.
  • The FAA cited increased aircraft spacing, lightning-driven ground halts and 30–40 mph crosswinds, as airlines cautioned that disruptions could ripple through the evening nationwide.