Orlando International Airport (OIA) was forced to ground all flights on Sunday afternoon due to a freak incident involving extreme cold. The air traffic control tower experienced an emergency after the cold temperatures caused a spinkler head in the fire suppression system to activate, prompting an alert about a possible fire.
However, the reason behind the initial alarm was later found to be non-existent. According to reports, the National Weather Service (NWS) had issued an extreme cold warning for east-central Florida on Sunday evening, which prompted air traffic controllers to take precautions.
The extreme cold temperatures had reached as low as 43 degrees in Orlando, breaking previous records set in February. Other areas across the state also experienced record-breaking lows, with Daytona Beach and Melbourne notching their lowest temperatures ever recorded during the month of February.
Despite the initial alert about a possible fire at the air traffic control tower being lifted, OIA was still forced to ground all flights for over an hour before allowing them to resume. The incident highlighted the potential risks associated with extreme weather conditions, particularly in areas where cold temperatures can be life-threatening.
In total, 213 flight delays were reported into or out of Florida's busiest airport on Sunday, according to FlightAware data. The NWS warned of "dangerously cold wind chills" to come, with temperatures as low as 14-20 degrees forecasted across certain counties in the region.
However, the reason behind the initial alarm was later found to be non-existent. According to reports, the National Weather Service (NWS) had issued an extreme cold warning for east-central Florida on Sunday evening, which prompted air traffic controllers to take precautions.
The extreme cold temperatures had reached as low as 43 degrees in Orlando, breaking previous records set in February. Other areas across the state also experienced record-breaking lows, with Daytona Beach and Melbourne notching their lowest temperatures ever recorded during the month of February.
Despite the initial alert about a possible fire at the air traffic control tower being lifted, OIA was still forced to ground all flights for over an hour before allowing them to resume. The incident highlighted the potential risks associated with extreme weather conditions, particularly in areas where cold temperatures can be life-threatening.
In total, 213 flight delays were reported into or out of Florida's busiest airport on Sunday, according to FlightAware data. The NWS warned of "dangerously cold wind chills" to come, with temperatures as low as 14-20 degrees forecasted across certain counties in the region.
Like, I'm all for being prepared and taking precautions, but grounding all flights for over an hour because of a spinkler head freaking out is just...ridiculous 
. And what really gets me is that they thought it was a possible fire in the first place! Like, come on NWS, get your act together, dude 
. Anyway, I'm glad no one got hurt or anything, but can we please just have some reliable weather forecasts for once? This extreme cold thing is getting old... 
. I mean, I know extreme cold can be super hazardous, but grounding all flights for over an hour feels like overkill 
. But I do feel bad for all those travelers who got stuck at the airport 
. Did you guys get stuck in traffic or anything? 
link to nws extreme cold warning: 
I'm glad they're being cautious, but can't we just have some decent weather for once?
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gotta feel for all those ppl stuck at the airport with nowhere to go 
! As a student who's always on-the-go for school activities, delays can be super stressful. But I guess it's good they took precautions due to the extreme cold 
. The cold air was so biting that you could see your breath! Anyway, I'm just glad everyone is safe and sound 
. Flight delays might be frustrating, but at least they know what's coming and can prepare for it 
. Hope all flights resume smoothly soon 
.
! The air traffic control tower got confused with a spinkler head in the fire suppression system, lol what a crazy situation! I mean, I feel for the people who were delayed and stuff 
. Extreme cold is no joke, especially in Florida where it's supposed to be warm and sunny. 43 degrees is COLD 
. Hope everyone stays safe out there 
Anyway, I'm just glad no one got hurt and that flights are back to normal now! 
. nws always seems to be one step ahead, good on 'em for warnin' people about them wind chills tho 
Omg, what a crazy day at Orlando Airport! Like I'm glad no one got hurt, but seriously, who expects a freak incident like that to happen? 
The NWS is warning of even colder temps coming, and I'm just here thinking "brrr, stay safe, Florida!" 
grounding all flights is a big deal, hope everyone got safe to their destinations 
I'm talking about Orlando International Airport grounding all flights because of a freaky cold temp incident! 
213 flight delays reported on Sunday alone, according to FlightAware. And let's not forget the forecast: "dangerously cold wind chills" are coming our way! 