From Detroit to Jackson Hole: Airports That Could Face the Worst Winter Storm Delays This New Year’s
https://climatecrisis247.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2833379-1-150x150.pngAs the United States enters one of its busiest travel holidays of the year, several major storms are set to impact some of the largest airports in the country.
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Two winter storms are moving concurrently throughout the Northwest and Northeast. Several inches of snow are forecast to accumulate in dozens of counties throughout the United States, with minor and moderate effects forecast to impact several major airports. A closer look at data from NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center reveals which airports have the highest likelihood of winter storm impacts this New Year’s.
To determine the airports most likely to experience winter storm delays this weekend, Climate Crisis 247 reviewed data on the Probabilistic Winter Storm Severity Index from NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center. Airports were ranked based on the probability that they would experience minor to major impacts from a winter storm between December 31, 2024 and January 1, 2025. The overall WSSI is based on 16 separate data elements, including snow accumulation forecast, ice accumulation forecast, and wind gust forecast. Supplemental data on annual enplanements are from the FAA and are for 2023. Only airports with at least 100,000 annual enplanements were considered.
16. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit, MI)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 5%
- Annual passenger traffic: 15,378,601
15. Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (Minneapolis, MN)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 5%
- Annual passenger traffic: 17,019,128
14. Denver International Airport (Denver, CO)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 5%
- Annual passenger traffic: 37,863,967
13. Capital City Airport (Lansing, MI)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 10%
- Annual passenger traffic: 115,895
12. Lincoln Airport (Lincoln, NE)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 10%
- Annual passenger traffic: 131,882
11. Great Falls International Airport (Great Falls, MT)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 10%
- Annual passenger traffic: 177,290
10. Yampa Valley Airport (Hayden, CO)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 10%
- Annual passenger traffic: 206,236
9. Bishop International Airport (Flint, MI)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 10%
- Annual passenger traffic: 281,903
8. Bangor International Airport (Bangor, ME)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 10%
- Annual passenger traffic: 357,301
7. Billings Logan International Airport (Billings, MT)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 10%
- Annual passenger traffic: 428,868
6. Sioux Falls Regional Airport (Sioux Falls, SD)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 10%
- Annual passenger traffic: 655,505
5. Spokane International Airport (Spokane, WA)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 10%
- Annual passenger traffic: 2,002,286
4. Eppley Airfield (Omaha, NE)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 10%
- Annual passenger traffic: 2,464,418
3. Rapid City Regional Airport (Rapid City, SD)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 20%
- Annual passenger traffic: 345,532
2. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (Bozeman, MT)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 20%
- Annual passenger traffic: 1,230,110
1. Jackson Hole Airport (Jackson, WY)
- Likelihood of minor to major winter storm impacts: 40%
- Annual passenger traffic: 494,863
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