Title: Detroit Airport Reopens After Flooding and Storms Cause Disruption
Date: [Insert Date]
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport has reopened after severe thunderstorms and flooding caused disruptions and closures. The overnight flooding resulted in roadways being partially blocked and incoming flights being halted.
The airport authorities announced on Thursday afternoon that access to the McNamara Terminal has been restored, bringing relief to stranded passengers. The McNamara Terminal was inaccessible due to flooding in the Dingell Drive tunnels. However, although the tunnels have reopened, the airport is still experiencing ground delays, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Detroit area received three inches of rain over a span of five hours, causing significant flooding at the airport. The National Weather Service confirmed the heavy rain and stated that the sheer volume of rainfall in a short period was the main cause of the flooding. Travelers were unable to access the McNamara Terminal due to the floodwaters in the tunnels.
As a result of the disruptions, around 18% of flights originating from the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport were canceled on Thursday, with Delta Air Lines facing the highest number of cancellations at 96 flights. Delta and Spirit airlines utilize the airport as a major hub, with over 1,100 flights per day.
The severe storms and flooding experienced in the Detroit area are part of a broader weather system impacting the Great Lakes region. The risk of flooding extends from Ohio to Pennsylvania, and severe storms are expected to affect over 40 million people, including major cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland.
The reopening of the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport will bring relief to stranded passengers, allowing them to continue their journeys. However, travelers are advised to check with their airlines for any possible delays or disruptions caused by the aftermath of the storms.