Posting on X, Duffy said the storm is already affecting air travel nationwide, with thousands of flights impacted, during the important spring break travel season.
According to aviation data, more than 1,800 flights within, into, or out of the United States had been canceled by 7 a.m. ET (11 a.m. GMT) while more than 1,200 additional flights were delayed. Earlier estimates suggested disruptions could reach at least 2,000 cancellations and over 9,500 delays as the storm continues to move across the country.
The Federal Aviation Administration's National Airspace System has implemented several traffic management measures to deal with the situation. Ground stops were issued at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, while a ground delay program was put in place at George Bush Intercontinental Airport due to high winds.
Authorities are urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
The largest number of cancellations has been reported across the busy New York aviation corridor. Flights were canceled at LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport.
Major disruptions were also reported at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, one of the country’s largest airline hubs.
Several airlines have been heavily affected, including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, and Republic Airways.
The disruptions come during the busy spring break travel season, leaving many passengers scrambling to find alternative flights.
Weather forecasters say the powerful March storm is bringing blizzard conditions to parts of the Midwest while severe storms threaten the East Coast, with damaging winds and possible tornadoes expected in some areas.
Officials warn that additional ground stops and delays may be introduced later in the day as the storm system intensifies.