60 Southwest Airlines flights cancelled after hail damage

Lightning strikes could cause flight cancellations or delays at Denver International Airport Monday afternoon, officials say. Just before 2 p.m., the National Weather Service warned of a fast-moving, severe thunderstorm southeast of the airport bringing wind gusts of 60 mph and hail the size of quarters. At least 60 Southwest Airlines flights were cancelled earlier Monday after several planes were damaged by hail that accompanied powerful thunderstorms that began Sunday night. Maintenance teams are inspecting nearly 20 planes that were on the ground during a storm for hail damage, according to Southwest media representatives. “Hail impacts have been found on several of the aircraft, so they will be removed from service for repairs,” Southwest said. Airline employees at Denver are working to accommodate customers on other available aircraft, the email says.<br/>