Major snowstorm causing widespread disruption to flights

The major winter storm that hit parts of the Midwest before hitting the northeast on Monday is creating a series of travel disruptions at major US airports.

Flight delays and cancellations are increasing as residents prepare for snow blankets and blizzard conditions over the next few days.

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As of 9:30 a.m. ET, about 1,535 flights to, from and across the United States had been canceled, according to FlightAware, which tracks real-time global air traffic data. Meanwhile, more than 200 flights have already been delayed, according to the data.

Early Monday morning, Newark Liberty International Airport reported that about 75% of flights had already been canceled for the day and that further cancellations were possible.

“During de-icing and snow removal operations #EWRAirport, travelers must confirm the status of their flight before arriving at the airport, ”New Jersey said in a tweet.

LARGE WINTER STORM TO FALL UP TO 2 FEET OF SNOW OVER THE NORTHEAST IS THE FORECAST

John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens issued a similar warning. At 5 a.m., the airport tweeted that the “vast” majority of its flights had already been canceled for the day.

The airport urges travelers to check with airlines before departing for their flight.

Meanwhile, LaGuardia Airport, also in New York City, has suspended all flights “due to current weather conditions” and is alerting travelers to check with airlines how to rebook.

At 9 a.m. on Monday, two of Chicago’s major airports, Chicago Midway International Airport and O’Hare International Airport, are facing more than 40 delays, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation.

Officials at two major airports in the Washington, DC area, Ronald Reagan National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, also informed travelers that some flights would be affected by the storm.

Heavy snowfall falling from 2 inches to 4 inches per hour was forecast for Monday in the eastern region, the National Weather Service said.

Much of the area could see blizzard conditions, with a foot to 18 inches of snow.

American Airlines canceled about 245 flights on Monday due to the storm, a spokesperson told FOX Business. Meanwhile, Delta has canceled 340 flights “the vast majority of which have already been booked for other flights,” a spokesperson said.

“Crews are monitoring storm and airport conditions and we will share a revised number later today if further cancellations are required,” Delta said.

Southwest has canceled fewer than 200 flights, but “is monitoring the winter storm and adjusting the flight schedule as needed.”

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Before heading northeast, the storm system blanketed parts of the Midwest in the most snow some places had seen in several years on Sunday. Chicago received nearly 7 inches of snow Sunday morning, leading to the cancellation of a few hundred flights at the city’s two airports. In Wisconsin, snow depths in some counties near Lake Michigan had reached over 15 inches and snow was still falling.

Up to 5 inches now have also hit central Ohio, Washington, DC and parts of Virginia. Snow hit Pennsylvania on Sunday afternoon.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.