Winter Storm Paralyzes NYC Air Travel, Triggers Over 800 Flight Cancellations

A major winter storm has crippled air travel across the northeastern United States. New York City’s major airports are at the center of the chaos. Over 500 flights were cancelled on Friday, with hundreds more already scrapped for Saturday.

The powerful system brought heavy, shovelable snow to the region. Officials warned of hazardous travel conditions as the storm intensified Friday evening.

Airport Gridlock and Escalating Disruptions

Hundreds of flights were grounded at John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty airports. Airlines made widespread pre-emptive cancellations to manage safety risks. According to data from Flightradar24, the disruptions impacted one of the nation’s busiest travel hubs.

Another 279 flights are cancelled for Saturday. The cascading effect promises a weekend of travel misery for thousands. Holiday travelers face extended delays and major itinerary changes.

The storm moved in with surprising speed and intensity. Heavy snow began falling across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service had issued urgent warnings ahead of the system’s arrival.

Heavy Snowfall Forecast Creates Hazardous Conditions

The National Weather Service forecast called for 5 to 9 inches of snow in New York City. Some localized areas could see over 10 inches. Peak snowfall rates reached one to two inches per hour at the storm’s height.

This quickly led to snow-covered roads and very low visibility. The conditions made airport operations extremely difficult and road travel dangerous. Officials consistently warned the public to avoid any unnecessary travel.

NYC Emergency Management urged residents to prepare for significant impacts. They advised people to check heating sources and help vulnerable neighbors. The agency also warned of possible power outages in affected areas.

The ongoing NYC flight cancellations winter storm crisis underscores the vulnerability of major transport hubs to severe weather. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines directly for the latest updates before heading to any airport.

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Which NYC airports are most affected by the cancellations?

All three major New York City-area airports are heavily impacted. John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty (EWR) in New Jersey have all experienced hundreds of cancellations.

How long is the winter storm expected to last?

The National Weather Service’s Winter Storm Warning was in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. The heaviest snow fell Friday evening, with conditions improving through Saturday.

What should travelers with cancelled flights do?

Travelers should not go to the airport without confirmation. They must contact their airline directly via phone, app, or website for rebooking options. Most airlines are waiving change fees for affected flights.

Are roads and public transportation also affected?

Yes. Officials warned of hazardous driving conditions on roads and highways. Public transportation may experience delays and reduced service due to the snow and low visibility.

What is causing so many pre-emptive flight cancellations?

Airlines cancel flights ahead of severe weather to keep crews and aircraft in safe positions. This prevents stranding passengers and allows for a faster recovery once the storm passes.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, National Weather Service, Flightradar24, NYC Emergency Management, AccuWeather.