Lois Larson
Hurricane Harvey was expected to make landfall along Texas's Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm in 2017, with winds between 111 and 129 miles per hour. The storm was predicted to cause devastating rainfall flooding, dangerous storm surges, and destructive winds, leading to travel cancellations and re-routing. Similarly, Hurricane Helene impacted Atlanta in 2024, causing flash floods and power outages. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest airport, experienced disruptions and cancellations due to the storm. The airport serves as a connection hub, and airlines encouraged travelers to consider alternative dates to avoid the impact of the hurricane.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hurricane Name | Helene |
| Date | 26-27 September 2024 |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Affected Areas | Fulton County, Cobb County, DeKalb County, Forsyth County |
| Impacts | Flooding, Power Outages, Flight Disruptions, School Closures, Tree Damage |
| Actions Taken | Travel Waivers, School Closures, Virtual Learning, Emergency Response Teams, Recovery Centres |
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What You'll Learn
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport closures
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport, with more than 250,000 passengers and over 2,100 daily arrivals and departures. As such, even minor disruptions can have a significant impact on travel across the country.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused major disruptions at the airport. While the hurricane did not directly cause the initial delays, its impending arrival exacerbated the situation. Airlines that service the airport, including Delta, Southwest, and others, warned passengers of potential disruptions and encouraged them to consider alternative travel days. Some airlines offered waivers for rebooking fees for flights rescheduled before October 1, 2024.
The potential impact of Hurricane Helene on the airport's operations was a cause for concern. However, the airport did not officially close during this time. Instead, it remained open, and airlines worked with customers to rebook flights and minimise disruptions. The storm caused flash floods in metro Atlanta, and the National Hurricane Center reported maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Despite the challenging conditions, the airport continued to operate, although with significant delays and cancellations.
Previously, in May 2025, the airport experienced another significant disruption. More than 600 flights were delayed, and a few were canceled due to a runway equipment issue. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a ground delay to manage traffic flow and congestion, causing departing aircraft to be held on the ground. While this incident was not directly related to weather events, it demonstrates the potential for even minor issues to cause substantial disruptions at such a busy airport.
In summary, while Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has not completely shut down during hurricanes or severe weather events, it has experienced significant disruptions, including flight delays and cancellations. The airport remains a critical travel hub, and any impact on its operations can have far-reaching consequences for passengers across the country.
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Travel waivers and rebooking
Hurricane Helene is expected to cause disruptions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is the world's busiest airport, with more than 250,000 passengers and 2,100 flights daily. The storm's impact is predicted to cause disruptions not only in Atlanta but throughout the Southeast, affecting travel across the country.
Several airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and others, are encouraging passengers to consider rebooking their flights and are offering travel waivers for those travelling to or from impacted airports. Delta Air Lines is allowing passengers travelling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday to rebook their flights without a fee if done before Tuesday, October 1st, for tickets purchased before September 25, 2024. Similarly, Southwest Airlines is allowing passengers scheduled to fly into or out of Atlanta on Thursday or Friday to alter their plans.
It is recommended that passengers follow their airlines on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter and download the airline's app to stay updated on any itinerary changes or cancellations. Additionally, passengers can contact their airlines directly to check for delays and cancellations.
In the case of flight cancellations due to weather conditions, the Department of Transportation requires that passengers be rebooked for free.
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Flood warnings and damage
Hurricane Harvey caused widespread flooding and catastrophic damage in Texas and Louisiana in August 2017. The storm stalled for about two days, resulting in heavy rainfall and catastrophic flash flooding. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimated that 300,000 structures and 500,000 vehicles were damaged or destroyed in Texas alone, with total damage estimated at $125 billion.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, the National Geodetic Survey, Google, and Woolpert provided post-hurricane imagery to assess the flood damage. The storm caused drainage issues and led to a significant rise in river levels, with only around 10% of river forecast points in southeast Texas remaining below flood stage. Several areas in Texas, including Caney Creek, Grangerland, New Caney, and Peach Creek, experienced major flooding, with water rescues being performed in certain locations.
The flooding in Houston was severe, requiring the cancellation of the traditional Governor's Cup National Football League preseason game. In New Orleans, there were concerns about the city's drainage system, as only 105 out of 120 water pumps were operational. Flooding in New Orleans washed away one house, forced evacuations, and damaged bridges.
The impact of Hurricane Harvey extended beyond physical damage and financial losses. In Crosby, Texas, a chemical plant lost "critical refrigeration," leading to explosions and the hospitalization of 21 emergency personnel. The shutdown of refineries also contributed to an increase in gas prices nationwide.
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Power outages
Hurricane Harvey caused power outages for more than a quarter of a million customers in Texas. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reported that more than 211,000 consumers were without power on the Texas Gulf Coast due to the hurricane, with widespread transmission outages and more than 100 circuits out of service.
To prevent similar incidents, Georgia Power agreed to install backup power generators at Hartsfield-Jackson in 2020. Additionally, some airports are installing microgrids to independently generate, distribute, and store power, reducing the risk of utility power outages.
While Hurricane Harvey did not directly impact Atlanta, the city and its airport are not strangers to power outages. In 2024, Atlanta was preparing for Hurricane Helene, which was expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, leading to potential power outages. Georgia Power shared tips for residents to prepare for extended power outages, and the city took precautions to ensure the safety and functionality of essential services.
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Travel advisories and road closures
Hurricane Helene has impacted travel in and around Atlanta, Georgia, causing flight disruptions and road closures. The storm has led to hundreds of flight delays and cancellations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), affecting airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and others. Delta Air Lines has offered travel waivers and waived booking fees for rebooking due to the hurricane. Similarly, Southwest Airlines allowed passengers to alter their travel plans.
The hurricane has also caused road closures and travel advisories in Atlanta. The City of Atlanta urged residents to stay vigilant and be aware of downed trees, localized flooding, and road closures. They advised residents to keep streets clear for emergency response teams and follow travel advisories by staying off the roads unless necessary. A sinkhole developed at 4504 Lake Forrest Dr. NW, leading to a road closure until further notice.
The Georgia Governor, Brian Kemp, declared a state of emergency for the entire state in anticipation of the hurricane's impacts. The National Weather Service and the City of Atlanta provided guidance and safety recommendations for residents. Additionally, the City of Atlanta set up recovery centers to support residents affected by the hurricane.
Specific areas impacted by flooding include the Chattahoochee River, impacting Fulton and Cobb counties, and the South River at Flakes Mill Road, affecting DeKalb County. Peachtree Creek also overflowed its banks, causing minor flooding in the surrounding areas.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Hurricane Harvey is expected to make landfall in Texas, so it will not affect Atlanta Airport.
Yes, Hurricane Helene is expected to impact Atlanta Airport, causing disruptions and delays. Airlines such as Delta and Southwest are working with customers to rebook flights and minimise disruptions.
It is recommended that you follow your airline on social media and download their app to stay updated on any itinerary changes or cancellations. You should also arrive at the airport early and check wait times to account for potential delays.
