At a Glance
- Over 1,500 flights canceled across the Northeast and Great Lakes as a snowy storm hit.
- New York City saw 4 inches of snow, with some spots receiving up to 10 inches.
- New York and New Jersey declared emergencies to manage dangerous travel.
- Why it matters: The storm disrupted holiday travel, strained airports, and forced state officials to mobilize emergency resources.
A heavy snowstorm that swept the Northeast and Great Lakes on Christmas Eve turned a busy holiday travel period into a logistical nightmare, canceling more than a thousand flights and prompting state emergency declarations.
Snowstorm Hits the Northeast
The blizzard dumped 4 inches of snow over New York City Friday night into early Saturday, slightly below some forecasts. Flight-tracking service FlightAware logged at least 1,500 flight cancellations starting Friday night.
By morning, both roads and skies were clearing, but the damage was already done. The National Weather Service’s Bob Oravec noted that the storm was winding down, though flurries lingered across the region.
- The storm moved from the northwest toward the southeast.
- Central eastern Long Island recorded over 6 inches of snowfall.
- Catskill communities experienced up to 10 inches.
Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports posted snow warnings on X, cautioning that weather could still disrupt flights.
The National Weather Service warned of hazardous travel conditions from the Great Lakes through the northern mid-Atlantic and southern New England, with potential tree damage and power outages.
State Emergency Declarations
Ahead of the storm, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for more than half of the state. Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way also declared a state of emergency.
Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way stated:
> “This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel. We are urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to the roads. Drivers should plan their travel accordingly, monitor conditions and road closures, and follow all safety protocols.”
The emergency declarations aimed to coordinate road crews, air traffic control, and emergency services across both states.
Travelers’ Experiences
In Times Square, workers in red jumpsuits worked to clear the sludge- and powder-coated streets and sidewalks using shovels and snowblowers.
Jennifer Yokley, who was on a holiday trip from North Carolina, said she was excited to see snow accumulating as it dusted buildings, trees and signs throughout the city.
> “I think it was absolutely beautiful,” she said.
Payton Baker and Kolby Gray, who were visiting from West Virginia, described the snow as a Christmas surprise for their third anniversary trip.
> “Well, it’s very cold, and it was very unexpected,” Baker said. “The city is working pretty well to get all the roads salted and everything, so it’s all right.”
The unexpected snowfall added a winter wonderland feel to the holiday season, but also intensified the travel chaos.
Impact on Flights and Airports
The sheer volume of cancellations forced airports to reallocate resources and manage passenger queues. Thousands of travelers were stranded or had to rebook flights.
The blizzard’s timing-just before the New Year’s holiday-made it particularly disruptive. Many travelers were already on the road or at airports when the storm hit.
| Region | Snowfall | Flights Canceled |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | 4 inches | ~1,500 |
| Long Island | >6 inches | – |
| Catskills | 10 inches | – |
These numbers illustrate the scale of the storm’s impact on travel infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- 1,500+ flights were canceled across the Northeast and Great Lakes due to a heavy snowstorm.
- New York City received 4 inches of snow, with some areas getting up to 10 inches.
- State emergencies in New York and New Jersey aimed to coordinate emergency response and road safety.
The blizzard underscored how quickly severe weather can disrupt holiday travel, strain airport operations, and necessitate coordinated state action. Travelers should stay informed about weather updates and flight status when planning trips during winter storms.
