by New York, NY – A powerful winter storm bringing a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and high winds swept into the U.S. Northeast early Saturday, disrupting post-holiday travel and prompting emergency declarations in New York and New Jersey.
Incident Summary
The storm intensified overnight and into Saturday, creating treacherous road and air travel conditions across multiple states. Weather officials warned that the combination of heavy snow and ice could significantly reduce visibility and make untreated roads extremely hazardous.
Forecast and Weather Warnings
The National Weather Service issued ice storm warnings and winter storm alerts across New York and Connecticut, with forecasts calling for up to 12 inches of snow in localized areas, particularly on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley.
New York City could experience its heaviest snowfall since 2022, with snowfall rates reaching two inches per hour at peak intensity. In several areas, snow was expected to be mixed with sleet or coated by freezing rain, increasing the risk of black ice.
Official Statements
New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statewide emergency declaration Friday, urging residents to limit travel.
“The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and I continue to urge extreme caution throughout the duration of this storm,” Hochul said, advising people to avoid unnecessary travel due to dangerous road conditions.
In New Jersey, Acting Governor Tahesha Way echoed similar concerns:
“This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel. We are urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to roads.”
Airline and Airport Disruptions
Air travel was heavily affected as conditions worsened Friday night. According to flight-tracking service FlightAware, more than 1,600 U.S. flights were canceled on Friday, with over 7,800 delayed.
The region’s busiest hubs — John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport — accounted for a large share of cancellations. All three airports issued alerts on X warning travelers of potential disruptions.
By Saturday morning, an additional 650 flights scheduled for the day had already been canceled.
Airline Response
Major carriers including American Airlines, United Airlines, and JetBlue Airways announced they were waiving change fees for passengers whose travel plans were affected by the storm, allowing rebooking without penalties.
Road Restrictions and Regional Impact
Beyond New York and New Jersey, winter weather advisories extended into Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Authorities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania imposed commercial vehicle restrictions on major highways, including several interstate routes, to reduce accident risks during the storm.
Safety and Public Guidance
Officials urged residents to stay indoors if possible, keep emergency supplies on hand, and monitor local alerts. Drivers who must travel were advised to reduce speed, increase following distance, and remain alert for sudden ice accumulation.
Conclusion
As the storm continues to move through the Northeast, officials stress that conditions may deteriorate quickly, particularly during peak snowfall and icing periods. Emergency crews remain on standby, and residents are encouraged to prioritize safety until the storm passes.
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