Airport prepares for weather; Travelers hurry home before storm

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A winter storm heading to the Charlotte area is already being blamed for nearly a dozen deaths.

It's causing major flight delays across the nation.

The US Airways website has issued a winter weather travel advisory for Dallas, Texas. Some of the flights to Charlotte-Douglas airport from Dallas are delayed.

Airport officials are having a pre-event meeting, which is common before a possible weather event like the one headed to Charlotte.

Read more about the weather: Cold rain headed to area; Snow possible in mountains

Airport workers are on standby, ready for deicing if it is needed.

Airport leaders have contacted the restaurants in the Charlotte airport in case people become stranded so they will stay open if needed.

Some travelers who just took off said they are relieved to beat possible weather issues in North Carolina.

One woman was checking her flight for Dallas. She said she was going to see her sister for the holiday, and hopes the weather doesn't get in the way.

"I would be very disappointed. I know I can't control the weather. God does so I've learned to not stress about those things," Cynthia Lyons of Charlotte said.

The security checkpoints at the airport are very busy Monday night. Most people were heading home or traveling for work with the hope they'd get back home in time for the holiday.

WSOC