Winter Storm Forces State of Emergency, Cancels Over 1,500 Flights Across Northeast
Updated (3 articles)
Massive Flight Cancellations and Road Congestion on Dec 27‑28 The winter system triggered at least 1,500 flight cancellations beginning Friday night, overwhelming Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia and stranding thousands of travelers [1][2][3]. Major highways across New York, New Jersey, and the Great Lakes region experienced severe congestion as holiday traffic met snow‑covered roads [1][2][3]. By Saturday morning conditions began to improve in some corridors, but delays persisted at several hubs [1][2][3].
Snowfall Peaks Vary Widely Across the Affected Area New York City recorded roughly 4 inches of snow, while central eastern Long Island saw more than 6 inches and the Catskill Mountains received up to 10 inches [1][2][3]. The National Weather Service forecaster Bob Oravec noted that flurries continued in pockets even as the storm weakened [1]. Snow totals contributed to hazardous travel warnings that spanned from the Great Lakes through southern New England [1][3].
Governors Declare Emergencies and Urge Caution Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for more than half of New York, and Acting Governor Tahesha Way issued a parallel declaration for New Jersey, both urging residents to avoid travel and monitor updates [1][2][3]. Airport authorities posted snow warnings on the social platform X, reinforcing the risk of further disruptions [1][2][3]. The National Weather Service highlighted the potential for tree damage and power outages throughout the region [1][3].
Western Weather Contrast Highlights Nationwide Impacts While the Northeast battled snow, California endured heavy rains, flash floods, and mudslides that caused multiple fatalities and severe damage in Wrightwood [1][2][3]. Rainfall totals reached 10‑18 inches in mountainous areas over three days, with up to 4 inches in the Los Angeles basin [1][3]. Forecasters warned that Santa Ana winds could exceed 60 mph, raising the risk of additional power outages on the West Coast [1].
Sources
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1.
AP: Winter storm disrupts travel across US Northeast, Great Lakes: Details the storm’s timeline, snow totals, emergency declarations, and contrasts with deadly California floods, emphasizing flight cancellations and NWS warnings .
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2.
King5: Winter storm snarls holiday travel across US Northeast and Great Lakes: Highlights the same flight disruption numbers, snowfall distribution, state of emergency actions, and adds vivid Times Square cleanup scenes .
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WBNS: Winter storm snarls holiday travel across US Northeast and Great Lakes: Mirrors the cancellation figures and snowfall data, notes the NWS hazardous travel alert, and expands on California rain totals and fatalities .
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Timeline
Dec 24‑31, 2025 – The holiday travel window from Christmas to New Year sees a developing winter system that later blankets the Northeast and Great Lakes with snow, setting the stage for massive travel disruptions later in the week [1][2][3].
Dec 27, 2025 (Friday night) – The storm unleashes heavy snowfall (≈4 in. in NYC, >6 in. on central‑eastern Long Island, up to 10 in. in the Catskills) and triggers at least 1,500 flight cancellations across major hubs, stranding thousands of travelers [1][2][3].
Dec 27, 2025 (early morning) – Roads and runways begin to clear, but lingering snow and congestion keep many flights delayed and keep travel risk high [1][2][3].
Dec 27, 2025 – New York Governor Kathy Hochul declares a state of emergency for more than half the state, and Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way issues a parallel declaration, urging the public to avoid non‑essential travel [1][2][3].
Dec 27, 2025 – Newark Liberty, JFK, and LaGuardia airports post snow warnings on X, warning passengers that “hazardous travel conditions” could affect flight operations [1][2][3].
Dec 27, 2025 – The National Weather Service issues a regional hazardous‑travel advisory covering the Great Lakes, northern Mid‑Atlantic, and southern New England, noting risks of tree damage and power outages [1][2][3].
Dec 27, 2025 – While the Northeast battles snow, California endures a separate storm system that drops 10‑18 in. of rain in the mountains, causes flash floods and mudslides (four deaths reported), and prompts forecasts of Santa Ana winds exceeding 60 mph, raising further outage concerns [1][2].
Dec 28, 2025 (morning) – NWS forecaster Bob Oravec states, “storm winding down; pockets with heavy snow,” indicating that the worst of the snowfall is passing but localized accumulations remain [1].
Dec 28, 2025 (later morning) – Airports maintain snow‑related advisories, and the National Weather Service continues to caution travelers about residual hazards as the system moves eastward [1][2][3].