Louisville businesses, airlines feeling the effects of the Microsoft tech outage

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A major technology outage impacted several airlines and businesses across the country Friday morning.

Here are highlights of how it is impacting Louisville and the surrounding area:

• Check with your bank. Some are having problems processing transactions. Stock Yards Bank said it is currently "handwriting transactions like in 1975."  
• WDRB is getting reports from viewers and staffers that some gas stations can't process card payments and are only able to take cash.
• Disruptions in flight arrivals, departures and some cancellations at Louisville Muhammad Ali Airport. 
• UPS said computer systems are being impacted, but the airline is operating and deliveries are moving. 
• A check of several local police dispatchers in Louisville and southern Indiana report no issues. 
• Norton Healthcare said only Norton Clark is being impacted by the outage. Some procedures being rescheduled. Patients are being contacted. 
• Baptist Health said it is experiencing disruptions. Some procedures are being cancelled. Patients are being notified. 
• UofL Health said it is working through issues, but patient care continues including emergency care and surgeries. 

Gas stations 

Gas stations were impacted by the global outage.Some drivers on Friday couldn't get gas because they didn't have cash on them. Employees had to tape "cash only" signs on doors and pumps. 

Like many retailers, the disruption kept people from tapping, swiping or using debit, credit or EBT cards at some Circle K's including one on Eastern Blvd. in Clarksville and another on Arthur Street in Louisville. 

Lisa Neal took it in stride as she filled up in Clarksville. 

"They can't help what's going on. It does kind of put people it kind of stops them and says, 'Oh, well, I got $8, maybe I can pick up what I need.’ So, for me it didn't you know, there's no inconvenience, but if I didn't have cash on me, it would have, I would have had to get back in my car and go somewhere else," Neal said.

Banks and Credit Unions 

Some banks and credit unions had problems processing transactions during the outage.

A Stock Yards Bank employee said early Friday they had been "handwriting transactions like in 1975." The disruption kept the bank from using some programs and banking software. 

A spokesman for the bank said in a statement that it has been vigilant during the outage.

"Stock Yards Bank & Trust has been and will continue to monitor the outage impacting financial institutions and businesses internationally. All of Stock Yards' systems and processes are fully operational. Stock Yards Bank & Trust's online banking, ATM and ITM machines have been fully operational throughout this global outage.

There were minimal impacts to processing ACH transactions and limited in-branch services earlier today. All issues were resolved before 1 p.m.

Stock Yards Bank & Trust branches and call centers are open and ready for our customers. Individuals or businesses with any questions or concerns should contact us directly at (502) 582-2571 or visit a branch."

Neal told WDRB that the outage makes you realize how interconnected we are. "But when something like this happens , everyone kind of panics. Because they don't know how long it's going to be." 

WDRB reached out to additional banking outlets. PNC Bank said it hasn't been impacted. Other banks didn't responded to our inquiries. 

Republic Bank released a statement: 

"Thanks to the efforts of many Republic Bank associates who worked through the night, our Banking Centers and Contact Center were all opened with normal operating hours today, and Republic Online & Mobile Banking are fully operational. The global technology issues impacting businesses worldwide had limited impact on several back-end systems, but our clients can conduct their banking with the access, safety and security we always provide."

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

Louisville's airport felt the effects of the outage with impacts on departing and arriving flights, but it announced just after 4:30 p.m. that flights had resumed.

Frank Turner from Virginia was waiting it out at the airport on Friday, but it was a no go. "I got rebooked for tomorrow."

Ben Kostelny from Chicago was in the same situation. "It keeps getting pushed back, so we'll see where we land." 

The outage appeared to stem partly from a software update issued by CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company that detects and blocks hacking threats.

The Federal Aviation Administration grounded flights from several airlines Friday morning because of the communications issues. Affected airlines included United, Allegiant and Delta. American resumed normal operations by late Friday morning. 

A spokeswoman for Louisville's airport said some of its airlines are experienced delays and cancellations. Up to date information can be found here.

The airport encouraged travelers to check their airline regarding flight status, if traveling through the weekend. 

Security and airport systems were not affected.

CrowdStrike said the outage was not a security incident or cyberattack.

Louisville Metro Police 

"As of this writing, LMPD is not experiencing any current issues regarding to the incident being reported. You may direct any questions to LMG (Louisville Metro Government), if there is something on their end."

Indiana State Police 

"(We are) experiencing some landline issues," ISP Sgt. Carey Huls said. "ISP is using a back up 911 system but it is working “properly and appropriately.”

Some of ISP's administrative programs are down due to being Microsoft base but nothing that is emergency related.

Baptist Health 

"Baptist Health is experiencing disruptions tied to the global CrowdStrike incident.

Due to the nature of this incident, Baptist Health Louisville is experiencing a disruption which is impacting our ability to sustain normal operations.

Our number one priority is ensuring our patients continue to receive the highest-level of care as this incident is investigated and resolved.

We have cancelled some procedures while we work to resolve the issue. Patients will be notified, if impacted.

We understand this incident is an inconvenience and appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation during this time."

Norton Clark Hospital

Dan Dagget suffers from kidney failure. He and his wife traveled from Scottsburg to Norton Clark Hospital for a 10 a.m. surgery. But he said, "of all things, my surgery is delayed because of Microsoft. I couldn't believe it." 

A spokeswoman for Norton Healthcare said in a statement Friday morning that Norton Clark was their only facility impacted by the outage. 

"The global CrowdStrike issue is impacting Norton Clark Hospital. Teams are using established procedures for these situations and care continues. A limited number of non-emergent morning procedures have been rescheduled and we are communicating with patients affected. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as we can."

But for Daggett the delay is a serious issue. "We're really in a really a time game. So having the fistula surgery delayed even a little bit is making it difficult."

UofL Health 

"UofL Health is working through issues caused by the national Crowdstrike IT defect. All patient care continues, including access to emergency care, trauma and surgeries. Appointments with all UofL Physicians locations, medical centers and hospital-based clinics remain on schedule. We thank you for your understanding as we work to resolve the issue.

If you have additional questions, please contact the location handling your appointment."

UPS in Louisville 

A UPS spokesperson said in a statement that its computer systems took a hit, but the airline is operating smoothly and deliveries are moving. However, they warn that you could see some service delays. 

"A third-party software outage is impacting some UPS computer systems in the U.S. and Europe. At this time, our airline continues to operate effectively and our drivers are on the roads delivering for customers. We are continuing to work to resolve all issues as quickly as possible; there may be some service delays."

Speed Art Museum 

"Please note that the global IT outage related to the CrowdStrike update is currently affecting the Museum's ability to process credit card transactions in person and online. If you plan to visit the Museum today and have not already reserved your tickets, please come prepared with cash for payment."

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