Atlanta, GA, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has implemented a ground stop until 4:15 p.m. due to severe weather and thunderstorms, resulting in significant flight delays and cancellations. With over 200 flights canceled and many more delayed, Delta Air Lines is facing the brunt of disruptions. Thunderstorms are expected to continue, leading to flash flood warnings in northern Georgia. Travelers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and weather forecasts as conditions may worsen throughout the week.
Atlanta
A ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been implemented until 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday due to severe weather and wind conditions stemming from thunderstorms, as announced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This situation has significantly affected air travel, with all inbound flights held at their origin during the ground stop, which was initially set to conclude earlier at 3:15 p.m.
Thunderstorms throughout the region have already led to flight departure delays ranging from 31 to 45 minutes, and these delays are expected to increase as conditions worsen. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in metro Atlanta Tuesday afternoon, and further storms are predicted to continue through at least Sunday.
Flash flooding is a particular concern, especially in the north Georgia mountains, where the National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of potential rainfall between 1 to 4 inches from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Flash flooding may extend within a 25-mile radius of the impacted areas. Additionally, dangerous surf and rip current situations could arise along local beaches due to the potential influence of Hurricane Erin, which is expected to stay offshore and avoid direct landfall in the continental United States.
By 8:45 a.m. on Friday, over 200 flights were canceled at Hartsfield-Jackson, with more than 170 additional flights experiencing delays. Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, is facing the brunt of these disruptions, as they account for the majority of the delays and cancellations. Reports indicate that by 1:15 p.m. on Friday, nearly 250 flights had been canceled and 406 delayed at the airport.
National Impact of Severe Weather
The severe weather has had nationwide implications, with thunderstorms causing significant disruptions across the East Coast. More than 28,000 flights were delayed nationally on Thursday alone, with Atlanta’s airport reporting 424 flight delays and 53 cancellations, primarily affecting Delta Air Lines’ operations.
Major airports in the region, including Philadelphia International, have documented average flight delays of up to 135 minutes. Emergency responders in the Northeast have been actively addressing flash flooding incidents, rescuing stranded motorists and cautioning residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
The turmoil continued into the weekend, with reports by 4 p.m. on Saturday showing that 478 flights into and out of Atlanta had been canceled, and 617 were delayed. Severe weather conditions on Friday resulted in more than 90 diversions to other airports in the Southeast due to thunderstorms and strong winds. The FAA also evacuated the control tower at Hartsfield-Jackson owing to those high winds, although some controllers remained to manage incoming aircraft.
Delta Air Lines Recovery Efforts
Delta Air Lines is actively working to recover flight schedules disrupted by the severe weather. However, ongoing conditions are expected to cause further delays and cancellations, complicating the recovery process.
Weather Overview
Thunderstorms and heavy rain will likely continue to pose a threat over the East Coast, affecting various major airports and leading to possible flash floods. Travelers planning to fly out of Atlanta or other impacted airports are urged to stay updated on the weather forecast and airline notifications regarding their flight status.
FAQ
- What is the current situation at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
- The airport has issued a ground stop due to severe weather, causing delays and cancellations of flights.
- How long is the ground stop expected to last?
- The ground stop is currently scheduled to end at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
- What are the expected weather conditions in Atlanta?
- Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to continue through at least Sunday, with flash flooding warnings in effect for certain areas.
- How are airlines responding to the weather disruptions?
- Delta Air Lines is experiencing a high volume of flight cancellations and delays due to severe weather, and they are working on recovery efforts.
- Have other airports been affected by these weather conditions?
- Yes, thunderstorms have caused significant travel disruptions across the East Coast, impacting major airports and leading to widespread flight delays.
Flight Disruptions Overview
| Date | Cancellations | Delays |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 250 | 406 |
| Saturday | 478 | 617 |
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Ground Stop Issued in GA Amid Storms
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Atlanta Airport Faces Major Delays Amid Severe Weather
- NBC News: Flights Canceled at Atlanta Airport Due to Severe Weather
- Wikipedia: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Google Search: Atlanta Airport Weather Delays
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
