Severe snowfall and icy rain have significantly disrupted daily life in the northeastern United States. Early Saturday, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and surrounding areas experienced intense snow and sleet, prompting authorities to declare a weather emergency in New York and New Jersey.
The National Weather Service reported snowfall ranging from 6 to 10 inches in central New York areas like Syracuse to Long Island. New York City recorded 2 to 4 inches overnight, with Central Park seeing 4.3 inches, the highest since 2022.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized public safety as a top priority and urged residents to exercise extreme caution during the storm. Authorities advised people to avoid unnecessary travel due to dangerous road conditions.
Despite the snowfall easing by afternoon, the impact on air travel was severe. According to flight tracking website FlightAware, over 14,400 domestic flights within the US were either canceled or delayed by Saturday morning. Major airports in the New York region, including John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International, faced the brunt of the disruption.
Additionally, nearly 2,100 international flights to and from the US were canceled. Airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and JetBlue Airways waived change fees for affected passengers to ease travel difficulties.
Road travel also suffered, with ice storm warnings and winter weather advisories issued for large parts of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Several interstate highways in New Jersey and Pennsylvania restricted commercial vehicle movement. Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way urged the public to avoid travel and allow road crews to clear routes safely.
Officials warned that dropping temperatures could cause ice formation, maintaining hazardous conditions. Residents were advised to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions to navigate the ongoing winter weather challenges.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.