Airports launch departure ground stops Tuesday ahead of DC storms

WASHINGTON — 10:30 p.m. Update:

As of 10:30 p.m. the ground stop was no longer in place at BWI, DCA and IAD.

Anyone taking a late August trip could be facing delays if their travels are leading them through the D.C. area Tuesday.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport have all announced ground stops ahead of severe weather spotted on radar Tuesday afternoon. 

According to the Federal Aviation Agency, a ground stop is a process that requires aircraft that meet specific criteria to stay on the ground.

The WUSA9 Weather team issued a Weather Watch Alert for Tuesday, which indicates strong to severe storms that are likely to affect locals’ evening commutes. Residents and visitors alike should also beware of possible isolated flooding.

Those in the area should also be aware that, due to the current level of available moisture in the atmosphere, storms that develop may produce a lot of rain in a very short period of time. However, storms are moving relatively quickly which should help mitigate the flood risk. 

RELATED: Weather Watch Alert: Strong storms and heavy rain through the evening commute

Other airport hubs across the country, like the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, along with New York-area airports, have also instituted a ground stop ahead of today’s storms. 

RELATED: New DOT dashboard will show passengers what they’re owed for flight delays, cancellations

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