{"id":30295,"date":"2021-04-26T23:18:29","date_gmt":"2021-04-26T23:18:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/uncategorized\/2021\/04\/26\/air-force-faces-72-million-bill-for-winter-storm-damage\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T20:51:38","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T20:51:38","slug":"air-force-faces-72-million-bill-for-winter-storm-damage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/news\/your-air-force\/2021\/04\/26\/air-force-faces-72-million-bill-for-winter-storm-damage\/","title":{"rendered":"Air Force faces $72 million bill for winter storm damage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Winter storms earlier this year caused more than $72 million in damages at Air Force installations across the country, as well as minor harm to two aircraft \u2014 adding to the growing repair bill generated by severe weather in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Much of the continental U.S. saw unusually low temperatures as well as snow and ice storms at the beginning of 2021, proving particularly challenging in areas unaccustomed to deep winter. The Air Force was not immune to the elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temperature changes caused two issues that affected Air Force planes: One T-38 Talon trainer aircraft incurred damage when a hanger water line broke, and a C-130 was damaged due to a fire-suppression system failure, Air Force spokesperson Sarah Fiocco said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDamage was minor and repairs have already been completed,\u201d Fiocco said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a separate email, Air Force Special Operations Command declined to answer whether any of its aircraft were affected, citing operational concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frozen and burst plumbing was the most commonly reported problem at Air Force facilities, along with flooding, water damage, power failures, heating issues, roof damage and other general degradation and outages, the Air Force said. Flooring, carpet and drywall also suffered in the floods.<\/p>\n\n\n\t