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Mass flight cancellations and delays hit US airports
Over 1,600 flights were canceled and 7,400 delayed across the United States by Friday evening as a severe winter storm approached the northeast, disrupting peak holiday travel, according to flight tracking service FlightAware.
Hardest-hit airports and airlines
New York-area airports-John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia-faced the most significant disruptions. Boston, Chicago, and Toronto, Canada, also reported widespread delays and cancellations.
JetBlue Airways canceled 229 flights, while Delta Air Lines scrapped 241. Republic Airways and Southwest Airlines grounded 180 and 151 flights, respectively. American Airlines and United Airlines each canceled around 100 flights.
Storm warnings and expected snowfall
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the region from 4:00 PM local time (21:00 GMT) Friday until 1:00 PM Saturday. Forecasters predicted up to 9 inches (23 cm) of snow in New York City and southern Connecticut, with the heaviest snowfall expected between 6:00 PM (23:00 GMT) and midnight.
Officials warned drivers of hazardous road conditions and advised carrying emergency supply kits. New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel but advised those who must drive to "plan ahead, take it slow, and allow extra time."
State and local responses
New Jersey and Connecticut governors issued similar warnings, emphasizing caution on roads. New York City Mayor Eric Adams encouraged commuters who drove to work on Friday to leave early or switch to public transportation for their return trips.
Snow plows were pre-positioned and prepared to begin clearing streets once snow accumulation reached two inches. This storm marks the second significant snowfall of the season for New York City, following several inches on December 14.
Travel advisories for passengers
Airports took to social media to urge travelers to check with their airlines for flight status updates before heading to terminals. The disruptions come as millions of Americans travel for the holidays, compounding frustrations for stranded passengers.
