NEW YORK, December 27 (TNF): A powerful winter storm moved into the US Northeast early Saturday, disrupting airline travel, slowing road traffic, and forcing emergency declarations across several states as snow, ice, and freezing rain created dangerous conditions.
According to our correspondent in New York, the storm struck at a critical time as millions of Americans returned home after the holiday break. Airlines canceled hundreds of flights, while state authorities warned residents to stay off the roads unless travel was absolutely necessary.
The National Weather Service issued widespread winter storm and ice storm warnings across New York State and Connecticut. Forecasters said some areas could receive up to 12 inches of snow, with Long Island and the Hudson Valley facing the heaviest accumulation. Meteorologists also warned that snow would mix with sleet and freezing rain, increasing the risk of icy roads and power outages.
New York City prepared for its most significant snowfall since 2022. State officials warned that snowfall rates could reach two inches per hour at the peak of the storm. The rapid accumulation raised concerns about whiteout conditions and stalled vehicles.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a weather emergency on Friday. She urged residents to exercise extreme caution. “The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority,” Hochul said in a statement. She strongly advised people to avoid unnecessary travel throughout the storm.
Snowfall began Friday evening in western New York and the New York City metropolitan area. Weather officials said conditions would worsen overnight and into Saturday morning. Strong winds were also expected, compounding travel hazards and reducing visibility.
New Jersey followed suit and declared a state of emergency. Ice storm warnings and winter weather advisories covered most of the state. Pennsylvania and Massachusetts also issued widespread alerts as the storm expanded across the region.
New Jersey’s acting governor Tahesha Way warned that the storm posed a serious risk to drivers. “This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel,” she said. She urged motorists to stay home and allow road crews to do their work.
Air travel faced major disruption. According to flight-tracking service FlightAware, more than 1,600 commercial flights within the United States or traveling into or out of the country were canceled on Friday. More than 7,800 additional flights were delayed as weather conditions deteriorated.
The three major airports serving the New York City region accounted for most of the cancellations. These included John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport. All three airports issued travel alerts on social media platform X, warning passengers of delays and cancellations.
Flight disruptions continued into Saturday. FlightAware reported that at least 650 more flights scheduled for Saturday had already been canceled. Airlines warned that the number could rise as the storm intensified.
Major US carriers moved to ease passenger frustration. American Airlines, United Airlines, and JetBlue Airways said they had waived change fees for travelers affected by weather-related disruptions. The airlines encouraged passengers to rebook flights in advance and monitor airport updates.
Road travel also suffered. New Jersey and Pennsylvania imposed restrictions on commercial vehicles across several highways, including major interstate routes. Officials said icy conditions and poor visibility made travel unsafe for large trucks.
Emergency management agencies deployed snowplows, salt trucks, and response crews across the region. Authorities warned that freezing rain could quickly turn untreated roads into sheets of ice, increasing the risk of accidents.
As reported by our correspondent in New York, officials across the Northeast emphasized that the storm remained unpredictable. They warned that even small changes in temperature could worsen icing conditions and prolong disruptions.
Residents were urged to keep emergency supplies ready, charge mobile devices, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Officials said power outages remained possible in areas affected by ice accumulation and high winds.
The storm underscored the vulnerability of post-holiday travel to severe winter weather. With millions still on the move, authorities stressed that public safety must take priority over travel plans.
Emergency declarations remain in effect as crews continue to respond. Weather officials said conditions would gradually improve later Saturday, though lingering delays and hazardous roads could persist into Sunday.
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