A fierce winter storm that battered the Northeast and Great Lakes on Saturday morning left more than a thousand flights canceled or delayed, and prompted emergency declarations in New York and New Jersey.
Storm-Driven Flight Chaos
Flight-tracking service FlightAware reports that at least 1,500 flights were canceled from Friday night into Saturday. The cancellations spanned major hubs, including Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport. All three airports posted snow warnings on the social media platform X on Friday, warning travelers that the weather could disrupt flight operations.
The National Weather Service issued a hazardous travel advisory that covered the Great Lakes, the northern mid-Atlantic, and southern New England. Forecasters warned of potential tree damage and power outages, noting that the storm was expected to weaken by Saturday morning.
State Emergency Declarations
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for more than half of the state ahead of the storm. In New Jersey, Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency for the entire state, citing a “severe winter storm causing dangerous weather conditions, including heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain.”
“This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel,” Way said in a statement. “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.”
Impact on Travel
The heavy snowfall, which reached just under three inches in New York City-roughly half of what some forecasts had predicted-disrupted both air and ground travel. Thousands of commuters and holiday travelers found themselves stranded on roads and in airports, as the storm’s intensity forced airlines to cancel flights and ground crews to work around the clock to clear runways and roads.
The combination of icy conditions, limited visibility, and the risk of power outages made travel particularly hazardous. Authorities urged residents to stay home if possible and to stay informed about road closures and flight status updates.
Key Takeaways
- Over 1,500 flights were canceled from Friday night into Saturday due to the snowstorm.
- Major airports (Newark, JFK, LaGuardia) posted snow warnings and experienced significant disruptions.
- New York and New Jersey declared states of emergency, with officials urging people to avoid travel and follow safety protocols.
- The National Weather Service warned of hazardous conditions, tree damage, and power outages across the Great Lakes, northern mid-Atlantic, and southern New England.
The storm’s impact underscores the challenges of holiday travel during severe winter weather, reminding travelers to plan ahead, stay updated, and prioritize safety.
