A Southwest Airlines flight from Chicago was diverted en route to Austin Wednesday following "severe turbulence" that one passenger said forced him out of his seat at one point as the plane stabilized.
Southwest Flight 1265 traveling to Austin–Bergstrom International Airport from Chicago's Midway International Airport diverted to Kansas City, according to Southwest Airlines, based in Dallas.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the flight crew elected to divert to Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to conduct a post-turbulence check of the aircraft," spokesman Brian Parrish said in a statement.
Nick Dunbar, a passenger on the flight, said he never experienced anything like it.
"Heavy anxiety on the plane as passengers became uneasy and there were a few starting to be visibly scared and even a few screams," Dunbar told NBC 5 on Twitter. "I was literally out of my seat for a few seconds as the plane was stabilizing."
Emergency crews were seen assessing the plane at Kansas City International Airport after the landing. Parrish said there were no reports of any injuries to passengers or crew.
"Crew was great and calm and made sure everyone was OK," Dunbar said.
The flight continued on to Austin after it was cleared to fly.
The Midwest was expected to see severe weather Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service, with scattered showers and storms forecast for the Chicago area.
