# Northeast Braces for Major Winter Storm, Thousands of Flights Canceled
A severe winter storm is poised to disrupt travel and daily life across the northeastern United States, with up to 9 inches of snow forecast for New York City and surrounding areas. The storm,arriving during the peak of the holiday travel season,has already led to widespread flight cancellations and delays,impacting major hubs and leaving passengers stranded.
Travel Chaos Grips US Airports
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As of Friday night,FlightAware reported a staggering 1,600 flights canceled and 7,400 delayed across the United States. The New York metropolitan area is bearing the brunt of the disruption, with John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport experiencing critically important operational challenges. Impacts extend beyond New York,affecting airports in Boston,Chicago,and even Toronto,Canada.
Airlines are scrambling to manage the fallout. JetBlue Airways preemptively canceled 229 flights, while Delta Air Lines scrapped 241. Republic Airways and Southwest Airlines followed suit, canceling 180 and 151 flights respectively. Approximately 100 flights each from American Airlines and united Airlines were also removed from the schedule.Airports are actively advising travelers to verify their flight status directly with their respective airlines.
Passengers have been stranded at LaGuardia airport in Queens, New York City.
Winter Storm Warning Issued
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning effective from 4:00 PM local time (9:00 PM GMT) on Friday until 1:00 PM on Saturday. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated between 6:00 PM (11:00 PM GMT) and midnight. Authorities are urging caution, warning drivers of hazardous road conditions and recommending they carry emergency supply kits in their vehicles.
Why is this storm happening? A potent combination of cold air from Canada colliding with moisture from the atlantic Ocean is fueling the storm. This creates ideal conditions for heavy snowfall across the Northeast.
Who is affected? Millions of residents across the Northeast, notably in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and parts of Massachusetts, are facing travel disruptions and hazardous conditions. Airports across the region, and even Toronto, are experiencing significant impacts.
What is the extent of the disruption? As of Friday night, over 1,600 flights were canceled and 7,400 delayed nationwide. Up to 9 inches of snow is forecast for New York City,and winter storm warnings are in effect.
Regional Response and Preparedness
New York Governor Kathy Hochul implored residents to avoid unneeded travel, but for those who must venture out, she stressed the importance of careful planning. “Plan ahead, take it slow, and leave plenty of time to get to where you need to go safely,” she stated. Similar advisories were issued by the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut.
This marks the second significant snowfall event for New York City this season, following an earlier accumulation in December. New York City Mayor Eric Adams encouraged individuals who drove to work on Friday to consider leaving early or utilizing public transportation for their commute home. City crews have deployed snow ploughs and are prepared to begin clearing streets once a 2-inch accumulation is reached.
How did it end? The winter storm warning expired at 1:00 PM on Saturday
