Severe winter storms have thrown post-Christmas travel plans into chaos across the United States, with more than a thousand flights cancelled or delayed. The disruptive weather hit as millions attempted to journey during the peak period between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Holiday Travel Plans Grounded by Snow
The powerful blizzard system swept through the north-east and Great Lakes regions, leading to significant transport disruption. According to data from the flight-tracking service FlightAware, at least 1,500 flights were cancelled from Friday night into Saturday. This came on top of hundreds of delays, creating a ripple effect of travel misery for passengers.
Major New York-area airports were heavily impacted. Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport all issued snow warnings via social media on Friday. They cautioned travellers that the deteriorating conditions were likely to cause serious flight disruptions.
State of Emergency Declared Ahead of Storm
Authorities took pre-emptive action as the storm approached. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for more than half of the state. In neighbouring New Jersey, Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a state-wide emergency.
Governor Way cited the "severe winter storm causing dangerous weather conditions, including heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain". She urged the public to avoid travel, stating: "This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel. We are urging travellers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to the roads."
Forecasters Warn of Hazardous Conditions
The National Weather Service had issued warnings for hazardous travel conditions stretching from the Great Lakes through the northern mid-Atlantic and into southern New England. Forecasters highlighted risks beyond transport, including potential tree damage and power outages due to the heavy, wet snow and mixed precipitation.
In New York City, snowfall totals reached just under three inches by Saturday morning—roughly half of what some initial forecasts had predicted. Meteorologists indicated the storm was expected to weaken throughout Saturday, offering some hope for a gradual return to normal operations.
The widespread cancellations serve as a stark reminder of the immense logistical challenges posed by extreme weather during one of the busiest travel windows of the year. Airport authorities and airlines are now working to clear the backlog and re-accommodate stranded passengers.
