Severe weather in Central Texas could be delaying flights at two major regional airports on Wednesday, July 15. The San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) are at risk for a ground delay, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The FAA’s Wednesday traffic report says that thunderstorms could delay flights at Texas airports including AUS, DFW, IAH and SAT. Ground stops at both AUS and SAT are possible until 6 p.m. Wednesday, per the FAA’s National Airspace System Status.
A ground stop happens when air traffic controllers decide to temporarily stop flights from departing from a specific airport. Texans are currently experiencing heavy rains and catastrophic flash flooding in some parts of the state, which could make arriving and departing flights unsafe.
In a statement to MySA, the FAA said its, “Command Center held planning calls with airlines and airports to prepare for the storm – and these regular telcons will continue throughout the next few days.” The FAA can also implement ground delay programs, reroutes and ground stops when severe weather impacts flight visibility and aircraft performance at airports.
“Commercial and general aviation representatives have seats at the Command Center so they will get in-person updates as well,” the FAA said. “The FAA works with airlines to help re-position their aircraft ahead of the storm given the anticipated airport closures.
In San Antonio, a tornado touched down on Wednesday morning and downpours in nearby Uvalde washed out roads and led to dozens of high-water rescues in the region. The National Weather Service of Austin and San Antonio (NWS) has issued a flash flood watch for parts of the Hill Country, I-35 corridor, southern Edwards Plateau and Rio Grande Plains through Thursday, July 16.
NWS meteorologists at the FAA’s Command Center handle high-altitude traffic and provide down-to-the-minute weather predictions for exact arrival and departure routes, according to federal agency.