Post by : Saif Rahman

A major winter storm impacted the northeastern United States over the weekend, delivering substantial snow, ice, and strong winds that hindered travel and daily activities across multiple states. Its timing coincided with the busy post-holiday return period.

Weather authorities issued alerts for winter storms and ice across large portions of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Certain regions of New York state, notably Long Island and the Hudson Valley, could see snowfall totals reach up to a foot. In several areas, snow was predicted to combine with sleet and freezing rain, complicating road conditions.

The governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, declared a weather emergency and urged residents to refrain from unnecessary travel. She highlighted safety as the primary concern and advised the public to heed storm warnings. Officials noted that snowfall rates might exceed two inches per hour in certain regions, leading to quickly deteriorating visibility and hazardous driving conditions.

Starting Friday evening, snowfall increased in intensity throughout Saturday. High winds further exacerbated the situation, heightening the risk of downed trees and power outages. New Jersey likewise declared a state of emergency, warning residents of the dangerous icy roads and reduced visibility.

Air travel faced significant disruptions, with over 1,600 flights canceled nationwide on Friday, accompanied by more than 7,800 flight delays. The airports in the New York City area, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, experienced the most cancellations. Airlines utilized social media to inform passengers of delays and urged them to confirm flight statuses before heading to the airport.

As Saturday progressed, hundreds more flights were canceled due to the persistent storm. Major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and JetBlue announced that they would waive change fees for passengers needing to adjust their travel plans because of the severe weather.

Road travel was similarly affected, prompting New Jersey and Pennsylvania to impose restrictions on commercial vehicles on various highways to mitigate accident risks. State officials strongly encouraged motorists to remain home to allow snowplows and emergency teams to operate safely and effectively.

As the storm advanced through the region, authorities urged residents to prepare for potential power outages, maintain emergency supplies, and check on vulnerable neighbors. This storm served as a compelling reminder of how quickly winter weather can disrupt travel and daily life, especially during peak travel times.

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