Major Winter Storm Disrupts Holiday Travel in Northeast
A powerful winter storm has brought chaos to New York City's air travel system, forcing the cancellation of over 800 flights across the region's three major airports. The storm, which began impacting the area on Friday, December 26, 2025, has created what could be the most significant snowfall event in New York since January 2022.
Airport Operations Grind to a Halt
According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, more than 520 flights were canceled on Friday alone, with an additional 279 already scrubbed for Saturday. The cancellations span John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport, affecting both domestic and international routes.
'We're seeing proactive cancellations to avoid stranding passengers and aircraft during what's expected to be severe weather conditions,' said an airline spokesperson who requested anonymity. 'Safety is our top priority, and we're working to rebook affected travelers as efficiently as possible.'
The storm's timing couldn't be worse, hitting during the busy post-Christmas travel period when millions of Americans are returning home from holiday visits. At JFK, nearly 300 flights were canceled on Friday with approximately 350 more expected to be grounded on Saturday.
Weather Forecast: Significant Snow Accumulation Expected
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for New York City and surrounding areas, forecasting 5-9 inches of snow with some locations possibly exceeding 10 inches. Peak snowfall rates could reach 1-2 inches per hour during Friday evening, creating hazardous travel conditions with snow-covered roads and reduced visibility.
'This could be New York City's biggest snowfall since January 2022,' noted meteorologist Sarah Chen from the National Weather Service. 'We're expecting the heaviest snowfall between 5-11 p.m. on Friday, with temperatures remaining in the mid-to-upper 20s, which will allow snow to accumulate quickly.'
The storm system is also bringing a mix of freezing rain and sleet to the region, with ice accumulations of 5-8 millimeters expected in some areas. This poses additional risks for power outages and tree damage, according to weather authorities.
Ground Transportation and City Response
New York City has activated its Winter Weather Emergency Plan, with sanitation crews pretreating roads and 71 emergency staff on round-the-clock duty. Mayor Eric Adams urged residents to avoid driving and stay home as temperatures remain below freezing, creating slick road conditions.
'We're asking New Yorkers to stay off the roads if possible,' Mayor Adams stated during a press conference. 'Our teams are working around the clock to keep the city moving, but safety must come first.'
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Port Authority are preparing for the storm, with snow expected to taper off by midday Saturday. However, icy conditions may linger into next week, potentially affecting Monday morning commutes.
Broader Regional Impact
The fast-moving storm is affecting not just New York but also New Jersey and Connecticut, disrupting holiday travel for millions during the busy post-Christmas period. Governor Kathy Hochul warned residents to monitor forecasts and drive carefully if travel is necessary.
'We're closely monitoring this storm system and coordinating with local officials across the state,' Governor Hochul said. 'I urge all New Yorkers to exercise caution and adjust their travel plans accordingly.'
The storm comes as climate scientists note changing patterns in Northeast winter weather. While New York City has experienced milder winters in recent years, extreme snow events remain a significant concern for infrastructure and transportation systems.
Traveler Advice and Looking Ahead
Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status before heading to airports and offering flexible rebooking options for affected travelers. Many carriers have waived change fees for flights scheduled through the weekend.
As the storm continues to impact the region, airport officials warn that delays may persist into the weekend as crews work to de-ice planes and clear runways after the snow passes. The situation serves as a reminder of winter weather's ongoing challenge to transportation networks, even as climate patterns evolve.