A winter storm sweeping across the Great Lakes and Northeast dumped heavy snow and ice from Friday night into Saturday, snarling post-Christmas travel and creating widespread delays at major airports, including New York City’s JFK and LaGuardia.
Thousands of Flights Impacted
More than 10,000 flights within, into, or out of the United States were delayed Saturday, with over 1,000 cancellations, according to FlightAware. The disruptions extended into Sunday — expected to be the busiest travel day of the holiday season — with more than 600 delays and about 140 cancellations reported early in the day.
Airport Scenes Marked by Delays, Patience
At LaGuardia Airport, flight boards filled with red cancellation notices as snow-covered runways limited operations. Despite the disruptions, many travelers remained calm. Some said they anticipated delays due to the weather, while others, including international visitors, tried to make the most of their final snowy moments in the U.S.
Similar scenes unfolded at Newark Airport, where travelers hoped to escape the winter weather without further setbacks.
Snow Totals and Power Outages
New York City recorded just over four inches of snow in Central Park — the city’s highest snowfall since January 2022 — while parts of Westchester County saw up to six inches. Connecticut experienced the heaviest accumulation, topping eight inches, with more than 11 inches reported in Hartwick, New York.
In Michigan, ice-laden trees and power lines left more than 30,000 homes and businesses without electricity early Saturday.
More Winter Weather Ahead
The storm system is not finished. Another round of wintry weather is forecast to hit the Upper Midwest and Northeast beginning Sunday, bringing snow, wind, rain, and potentially blizzard conditions in parts of the Great Lakes. Forecasters also warn of freezing rain in the northern Appalachians and lake-effect snow in western Pennsylvania and New York, followed by dangerously cold temperatures.
For more updates on the snow story, follow along with Que Onda Magazine.