Post by : Badri Ariffin

A significant winter storm is hitting the northeastern United States, causing serious disruptions to air travel in New York City. Thousands of holiday travelers have been affected as airlines have been compelled to cancel a large number of flights at major airports.

Flight-tracking service FlightAware reports that by Friday morning, over 400 flights had been cancelled at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport, with many others experiencing delays due to airlines halting services overnight.

Airlines acted promptly after forecasts indicated heavy snowfall, limited visibility, and increasing winds would worsen by Saturday, creating dangerous conditions for both air and ground operations.

Intensifying Snowfall Forecasted

The National Weather Service anticipates snowfall accumulation between four to eight inches across New York City, Long Island, and adjacent areas. The heaviest snow is forecasted to occur from Friday afternoon until late Saturday morning, with freezing temperatures raising concerns about icy roads and diminished visibility.

City officials have warned residents and travelers to brace for swiftly deteriorating conditions. New York City Emergency Management has advised minimizing non-essential trips, highlighting that light snow could turn into heavier snowfall by the evening.

Emergency Measures Activated

Mayor Eric Adams announced that all city agencies are executing the Winter Weather Emergency Plan, with crews on standby throughout the five boroughs.

“As the festive travel period continues into the New Year, New Yorkers need to prepare for hazardous conditions from Friday to Saturday,” stated Adams. He encouraged residents to avoid driving if possible, allocate extra time for public transport, and stay updated with official information.

Sanitation crews began pretreating roads early Friday morning, deploying salt spreaders and setting up snowplows in anticipation of the storm. Officials cautioned that waste collection and other services might encounter delays as crews work to keep major routes clear.

Travel Hazards Ahead

Emergency personnel are on continuous duty to assist with road clearing and coordination efforts. Property owners are also reminded of their obligation to clear sidewalks to ensure pedestrian safety, with potential fines for non-compliance.

Snowfall is expected to taper off by midday Saturday; however, authorities alert that icy patches may linger into Sunday. Additionally, a more intense cold front could bring freezing rain to parts of western Pennsylvania, with gusty winds expected in cities such as Washington and Philadelphia.

Wider Regional Effects

Winter weather warnings are currently in effect for southern Connecticut, northeastern New Jersey, and much of the mid-Atlantic. As the storm moves eastward, forecasters predict a possible shift to freezing rain before it goes offshore.

Given that this holiday season marks one of the busiest travel times of the year, airlines have warned travelers to expect continued disruptions even after the snow ceases, as crews will be occupied with de-icing aircraft and clearing runways.

At present, those planning travel from New York may face ongoing cancellations and delays, with officials urging patience and caution until conditions improve and normal operations can resume.

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