Winter Storm Grounds Flights as NYC Braces for Snow
Winter Storm Grounds Flights as NYC Braces for Snow
A major winter storm disrupts air travel with widespread cancellations and up to 9 inches of snow forecast for the New York region, triggering airport delays across the US.
A powerful winter storm is sweeping the Northeast, bringing heavy snow and travel chaos as flights are canceled and delayed across the United States. Across the country, nearly 1,500 flights had been canceled and about 5,400 delayed during one of the peak holiday travel periods, with the strongest impact in and around New York. The three major New York-area airports — John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia — are among the worst affected as travelers contend with disrupted plans and long lines. Forecasters warned of as much as 9 inches (23 cm) of snow in parts of the New York region and southern Connecticut, triggering a winter storm warning that extends through the early afternoon of Saturday. The storm arrives just as people try to reach loved ones for the holidays, turning crowded airports into hubs of stalled hopes and rerouted itineraries.
City officials and meteorologists prepared for treacherous travel conditions, with streets brined and plows ready in anticipation of the heavy snow. The forecast of up to nine inches in the metro area has prompted airlines to offer waivers and extra assistance, but many passengers still face significant delays and the prospect of last-minute rebookings. The impact is not limited to New York: travelers in Philadelphia, Detroit, and even Toronto are facing flight disruptions as the storm moves through parts of the Northeast and into adjacent regions. With the number of cancellations piling up and conditions worsening, officials urge travelers to check flight statuses and stay flexible as crews work to clear runways and keep operations moving when possible.
