In brief
A heavy winter storm has led to widespread disruptions in travel across the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, with many flights canceled or delayed. Officials in New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency, urging travelers to avoid unnecessary travel due to dangerous road conditions and severe weather impacts. The storm is expected to weaken, but travel conditions remain hazardous as cleanup efforts commence.
BOSTON — Significant winter weather has engulfed the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, resulting in over a thousand flight cancellations and delays during one of the busiest travel periods in the United States.
As of Saturday morning, New York City had recorded nearly three inches of snow, falling short of forecasts suggesting greater accumulation. Flight-tracking service FlightAware reported that around 1,500 flights were canceled between Friday night and Saturday.
Major airports such as Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy, and LaGuardia posted alerts on the social media platform X, indicating that ongoing inclement weather was contributing to flight disruptions.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings of hazardous travel conditions stretching from the Great Lakes to the northern mid-Atlantic and southern New England areas. Potential dangers include downed trees and power outages, although forecasters anticipate the storm to lessen by Saturday morning.
Ahead of the storm's impact, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across extensive portions of the state. Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way followed suit, also declaring a state of emergency in New Jersey, citing “dangerous weather conditions” due to 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.”
