A powerful winter storm has unleashed travel chaos across the northeastern United States, leading to the cancellation of more than 800 flights in and out of New York City's major airports. The severe weather system, bringing heavy snow and hazardous conditions, has severely disrupted one of the nation's busiest air travel corridors during the holiday period.
Hundreds of Flights Grounded Across New York Airports
More than 500 flights were cancelled on Friday, December 26, 2025, at the three primary airports serving the New York metropolitan area: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR) in New Jersey. Airlines implemented widespread pre-emptive cancellations to mitigate safety risks as weather conditions rapidly deteriorated. Flight tracking data indicates an additional 279 flights have already been cancelled for Saturday, bringing the total disruptions well over 800.
Winter Storm Warnings and Forecasted Snowfall
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for New York City, Northeast New Jersey, Lower Hudson Valley, Nassau County, Western Suffolk County, and Fairfield County in Connecticut. The warning is active from 4 PM Friday until 1 PM Saturday.
Forecasters predict total snowfall accumulations of 5 to 9 inches, with some localized areas potentially receiving over 10 inches. The most intense snowfall was expected on Friday evening, with rates reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour in powerful snow bands. These conditions create extremely low visibility and make airport operations unsafe.
Safety Advisories and Expected Travel Impact
NYC Emergency Management has urged residents to prepare for significant disruptions. The agency advised that snow flurries beginning Friday afternoon would intensify into heavy, plowable snow by evening. They issued critical safety tips for both indoors and outdoors.
Indoor safety recommendations include:
- Checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Avoiding the use of stoves or ovens for home heating.
- Never leaving space heaters unattended and plugging them directly into wall outlets.
- Calling 311 for assistance if help is needed to stay warm.
Outdoor and travel advice emphasizes:
- Extreme caution on slippery roads and sidewalks.
- Wearing layered clothing, hats, and sturdy boots.
- Being aware of signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Bringing pets and service animals indoors.
The fast-moving storm, tapping into Arctic air, is expected to cause hazardous driving conditions and prolonged delays for holiday travelers at airports and on roadways across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
