Holiday Travel Chaos: Over 1,500 Flights Cancelled Amid Major Northeast Snowstorm

A severe winter storm slammed the Northeast and Great Lakes regions on Friday. It caused massive travel disruptions during the busy holiday period. Over 1,500 flights were cancelled or delayed nationwide.

Officials in New York and New Jersey declared states of emergency. They urged residents to avoid all non-essential travel. The storm brought heavy snow, sleet, and dangerous road conditions.

Widespread Disruption Across Major Airports

The storm’s impact was immediate. Major airports like Newark Liberty, JFK, and LaGuardia issued urgent warnings. They cited hazardous weather conditions leading to operational problems.

According to data from FlightAware, the cancellations piled up from Friday night into Saturday. This data was reported by the Associated Press. The disruptions stranded thousands of travelers hoping to journey home after Christmas.

New York City saw significant snowfall. The National Weather Service warned of hazardous travel from the Great Lakes through southern New England. The storm threatened power outages and tree damage alongside the travel nightmare.

Official Emergency Declarations and Public Warnings

In response, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for much of the state. Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way quickly followed suit for her entire state.

Governor Way’s statement, cited by the AP, was direct. She said the storm would cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel. Officials pleaded with the public to stay off the roads to allow crews to work.

The National Weather Service in New York confirmed the storm swept through the Tri-State area overnight. While snowfall in the city was moderate, areas to the east and northeast were hit harder. Forecasters expected the system to weaken by Saturday morning.

The extensive flight cancellations highlight the vulnerability of holiday travel to extreme weather. As the clean-up begins, travelers are advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest updates.

Thought you’d like to know

Which airports were most affected by the cancellations?

Major hubs like Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International, and LaGuardia Airports were heavily impacted. These airports issued specific snow warnings ahead of the disruptions.

How much snow did New York City get?

The city recorded just under three inches of snow. This was about half of some initial forecasts, but it was still enough to cause major travel problems across the region.

Why did officials declare a state of emergency?

New York and New Jersey governors declared emergencies due to the severe winter storm. The goal was to mobilize resources and warn the public about dangerous travel conditions from heavy snow and ice.

What should affected travelers do now?

Travelers should contact their airline directly for rebooking options. They should also continue monitoring local weather and road condition reports before attempting any new travel.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press (AP), FlightAware, National Weather Service (NWS), Office of the Governor of New York, Office of the Governor of New Jersey.