“It’s been a nightmare:” Friday tech outage affects life in Evansville and beyond

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — The giant tech outage Friday morning was felt here in the Tri-State. The cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike says an update affected customers using Microsoft Windows.

Some computer systems went down across the country, and it caused some frustration at Evansville Regional Airport and beyond.

People in Evansville are feeling the outages, especially at Mesker Park Zoo.

The zoo’s payment and processing systems were down for a couple hours. Guests could only bring cash to get inside. The staff believes it’s because of the worldwide outage.

“We were prepared as possible and put out a post reminding guests to bring cash when possible,” says Stephanie Sanderson, who works for the zoo. “Everybody did a great job and was cooperative and we got people in.”

The outages delayed a handful of flights at Evansville Regional Airport, including Delta flight 5307 to Atlanta. The plane was supposed to leave at 11:10 a.m., but it was pushed back to 4:15 p.m.

“We’ll see what happens, and, if Delta decides they’re going to cancel out, then we’ll be here all night, and I’ll call somebody and say, ‘Come get me. We’ll figure something out tomorrow,'” says a man who only wanted to be identified as Rob. He was in Evansville for work and was scheduled to take the 11:10 flight to Atlanta.

Meanwhile, inside the Portland, Oregon International Airport, Aaron Brosmer is try to get back home to Evansville following a conference. Safety for everyone involved is his biggest concern.

His flight back home got cancelled.

“Very, very long lines. Nobody really knowing what’s going on,” Brosmer says. “Obvious, obvious frustration for obvious reasons, but airline staff at the time weren’t really getting a lot of guidance, didn’t really know what was going on , and really just long lines forming. It’s been a nightmare. It really has been.”

Frustration and confusion fills the airport.

“I just really want to know what’s going on. I think that’s just a general frustration with a lot of people right now is we don’t know what’s going on.”

More from Ben Walls

• “It’s been a nightmare:” Friday tech outage affects life in Evansville and beyond
• Evansville, Welborn Baptist Foundation to apply for $20 million federal grant to build a low-emission transportation system
• Haynie’s Corner fountain operates once again following maintenance
• Thousands expected to visit Union County this weekend for this year’s Kentucky Bike Rally
• University of Evansville will soon make way for “Legacy Project” campus amenities

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