HOUSTON -

Canceled flights piled up as winter storms rolled in, affecting 30 million people in plains states from Colorado to Indiana.

Severe weather warnings were issued for 18 states, including Texas, which means roads are closed, and people hoping to fly may be stranded.

"So many flights were canceled already," said Dana Thalken, a traveler.

Thalken barely made her flight leaving out of Nebraska, and she said her family back home prepared for the worst.

"A storm is coming," said Thalken.  "It's supposed to start today [Thursday].  Ten to 15 inches is what they're saying."

The storm also brought freezing rain to Arkansas and Missouri.

Although snow wasn't predicted for Houston, the storm brought strong winds and rain to the area.  The strongest weather was expected to move in around 9 a.m. Thursday and last until noon.  Tornado activity was also predicted for the northern counties.

And travelers headed to Bush Intercontinental Airport or Hobby Airport may find their flights may have been canceled, especially if they were headed to Kansas City, Little Rock, Wichita, or Omaha.

"They were all canceled from 9 o'clock on yesterday [Wednesday]," said John Stout, another traveler.

Several airlines, including United, offered to change travelers' flight schedules ahead of the storm, free of charge.  Airlines recommend checking the status of a flight before heading to the airport.

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