BOSTON (AP) — A severe winter storm has disrupted travel plans for thousands across the Northeast and Great Lakes regions during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. More than a thousand flights were either canceled or delayed as snow swept through the area leading up to New Year’s Eve.
As of Saturday morning, New York City had received nearly three inches of snow, which was approximately half of what was forecasted. According to flight-tracking service FlightAware, at least 1,500 flights were grounded from Friday night into Saturday.
Newark Liberty International Airport, alongside John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia Airports, issued warnings on social media, alerting travelers to the possibility of disruptions due to the ongoing weather conditions.
The National Weather Service has cautioned that travel conditions will be hazardous, covering the Great Lakes down through the northern mid-Atlantic and southern New England. Concerns include possible power outages and tree damage as the storm wreaks havoc.
In anticipation of the severe weather, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency affecting more than half the state. Similarly, Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way issued a state of emergency for New Jersey, emphasizing the dangerous conditions caused by heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
Way urged travelers to reconsider their plans during the storm and allow roadway crews to perform necessary maintenance. “Drivers should plan their travel accordingly, monitor conditions and road closures, and follow all safety protocols,” she said.
