Hobby Airport runway back in service after lightning hits it, officials say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- According to the Houston Airport System, a Hobby Airport runway returned to service on Monday evening after a lightning strike forced its closure.

A post to Hobby's social media channels stated that runway 13R was closed for repairs due to the strike.
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Jim Szczesniak, Houston Airport System director, explained in an interview on ABC13's Live at Five that the strike was on an intersection of the runway, calling it the worst spot for a lightning hit.

WATCH: ABC13's Live at Five interview wit Houston Airport System director


Based on the airport's social media posts, the repairs began at about 4:30 p.m. Officials announced the reopening at about 7 p.m.



Before the closure, flights were already at a standstill at Hobby and Bush airports due to the weather, with ground stops ordered.



At one point during the closure, Hobby Airport's flight status site showed multiple departures scheduled at 4:55 p.m. and later pushed back by more than three hours. There were also a handful of cancellations.
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The airport system asks passengers to contact their airlines for flight status information.

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