Winter Storm Triggers State of Emergency in New York, Cancels Over 9,000 Flights Amid Holiday Chaos
New York City, NY – A powerful winter storm has battered the Northeast United States, prompting states of emergency in New York and New Jersey while crippling air travel during one of the year’s busiest holiday weekends.[1][2]
At least 9,000 flights have been canceled or delayed since Friday night, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware, leaving thousands of post-Christmas travelers stranded at major airports.[1] New York’s three major airports – John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, and LaGuardia – issued snow warnings, with significant disruptions reported across the region.[1]
Heavy Snowfall and Emergency Declarations
Forecasters had predicted up to 11 inches of snow by Saturday afternoon, with the heaviest accumulations expected in northern parts of the New York City and New Jersey metro areas.[1] New York City ultimately recorded 4.3 inches – the most since 2022 – enough to snarl roads and runways despite falling short of initial projections.[1]
In response, governors in New York and New Jersey declared states of emergency, affecting over 50 million Americans under winter weather alerts stretching from New York City to Philadelphia.[1][2] Officials in Connecticut and Pennsylvania also urged caution, issuing a flurry of advisories for residents and travelers.[2]
New York City Mayor Eric Adams took to social media platform X, posting, “That white stuff is coming, NYC! We’re ready for however much we get.”[1] The city’s Department of Sanitation mobilized 700 million pounds of salt to combat icy roads, preparing for ongoing wintry conditions.[1]
Massive Flight Disruptions Grip Busiest Travel Period
The storm struck at the worst possible time: the post-Christmas rush, when airlines anticipate peak traffic.[1] FlightAware data paints a grim picture of the chaos.
On Friday, 8,816 flights within, into, or out of the U.S. were delayed, with 1,710 outright cancellations.[2] Saturday fared little better; by 7:50 a.m. ET, 892 flights were delayed and 637 canceled nationwide.[2] The “Misery Map” on FlightAware highlighted the New York area as ground zero, with ripple effects felt coast to coast.[2]
| Date | Delays | Cancellations |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, Dec. 26 | 8,816 | 1,710 |
| Saturday, Dec. 27 (as of 7:50 a.m. ET) | 892 | 637 |
| Total Since Friday Night | >9,000 (est.) | >1,500 (est.) |
John F. Kennedy, Newark, and LaGuardia bore the brunt, with snow falling steadily since Friday.[1] Travelers shared images of packed terminals and overflowing departure boards, many facing multi-day delays as de-icing operations struggled against relentless flurries.[2]
Ripple Effects Across the Nation
The Northeast storm’s impact extended far beyond New York. Airports in San Francisco and Orlando reported delays, while Florida hubs saw hundreds of grounded flights.[1] Even the West Coast felt aftershocks from a separate rainstorm; Los Angeles International logged 64 delays and 15 cancellations by early Saturday, and Harry Reid International in Las Vegas had 16 delays and nine cancellations.[2]
Beyond aviation, the weather turned deadly in some areas. Local officials rescued a backcountry skier buried in an avalanche Thursday near Mount Rose Ski Resort outside Reno, Nevada – a stark reminder of the storm system’s broader fury.[1]
“This is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and the storm has turned it into a nightmare for millions.” – Sky News US Correspondent[1]
Officials Urge Patience and Preparation
As cleanup efforts ramp up, transportation authorities advise checking flight statuses frequently and preparing for extended delays. New York’s Sanitation Department continues salting operations, while airlines deploy extra crews for de-icing.[1][2]
The National Weather Service warns of lingering cold snaps, with potential for more snow in the coming days. Travelers are encouraged to monitor updates from the FAA and local authorities.[1]
This storm underscores the vulnerabilities of holiday travel to extreme weather, a growing concern amid shifting climate patterns. As families reunite or head home, the Northeast digs out – one canceled flight at a time.