Winter Storm Frustrates Fliers, Business Owners Around Ozarks

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Whether you were scraping ice, shoveling snow or waiting for a flight out of here, there's a chance you were somehow inconvenienced by Thursday's winter weather.

"It's a little inconvenient," says traveler Mike Porting. "But it is what it is."

"On a normal day we have people in for a few minutes," said Springfield-Branson National Airport Spokesman Kent Boyd. "But today, we have people around for several hours because they're trying to reschedule flights and make connections."

Springfield Airport: Worst is Over, But Expect Delays

Those flying out of the Springfield-Branson National Airport faced a few airline cancellations.

"We've had quite a few people mowing around either with cancellations or delayed flights," Boyd said. "And of course then they have to go back and reschedule their connecting flights to wherever they were flying."

The winter weather isn't only putting a damper on the roadways, but on businesses as well.

"We definitely have no one coming in," said Pita Pit Manager Mindy Seymour around lunch time. "We have no customers. Zero at this point."

Snowy streets and ice made for a much emptier restaurant this afternoon -- in fact, the business contemplated opening up at all and ended up closing early.

"Of course with schools being closed and universities and work, that's what's been tough," Seymour added.

And while it was only one day, to restaurant businesses, it's more than that.

"It's kinda crucial," Seymour says. "It's one day, but it can make a big difference. I mean, every month we have a goal we need to meet and every day counts. Every day matters."

And as for those still waiting to fly out to sunshine and warmer weather, well, let's just say it's worth their wait.

"If I get there," Porting said laughing. "If I don't, I'll be upset."

See Also: Sleet Storm Blankets Ozarks; Tough Travel Conditions Tonight