Winter storm snarls U.S. holiday travel across Northeast and Great Lakes
BOSTON — More than a thousand flights were canceled or delayed in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions due to snow as thousands of people took to U.S. roads and airports during the busy Christmas-New Year travel period.
New York City received about four inches of snow overnight Friday into Saturday morning – slightly less than some forecasts predicted. At least 1,500 flights were canceled Friday evening, according to flight tracking service FlightAware. But on Saturday morning, the roads and the sky were clearing up.
“The storm is definitely winding down, with some snow showers in the Northeast this morning,” said Bob Oravec, a National Weather Service forecaster based in Maryland.
Oravac said the storm was moving quickly from the northwest to the southeast across the United States, with the heaviest snowfall in the New York area reaching more than six inches on east-central Long Island. Farther north in the Catskills, communities experienced up to 10 inches of snowfall.
Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport posted snow advisories on social media platform X Friday, warning that the weather conditions could cause flight disruptions.
The National Weather Service warned of hazardous travel conditions from the Great Lakes to the northern Mid-Atlantic and southern New England, with the potential for tree damage and power outages. Forecasters said the storm was expected to weaken by Saturday morning.
In Times Square on Saturday, workers in red overalls worked to clear streets and sidewalks covered in mud and powder, using shovels and snow blowers.
Jennifer Yokley, who was in Times Square during a vacation trip to North Carolina, said she was excited to see the snow piling up as she dusted buildings, trees and signs throughout the city.
“I think it was absolutely beautiful,” she said.
Payton Baker and Kolby Gray, who were visiting New York from West Virginia on Saturday, said the snow was a Christmas surprise for their third anniversary trip.
“Well, it’s very cold and it was very unexpected,” Baker said, his breath visible in the winter air. “The city does a pretty good job of salting all the roads and everything, so it’s all good.”
Before the storm, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in more than half the state. Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency throughout New Jersey, “due to a severe winter storm causing hazardous weather conditions, including heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain.”
“This storm will cause hazardous road conditions and impact holiday travel,” Way said in a statement. “We urge travelers to avoid traveling during the storm and allow crews to attend to the roads. Drivers should plan their trip accordingly, monitor road conditions and closures, and follow all safety protocols.”
Walker reported from New York.
