A powerful winter storm has swept across the Northeast, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility. The storm has caused major disruptions to air travel, forcing airlines to cancel more than 1,000 flights and leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
In this article, we will look at how the storm affected the region's airports, how travelers coped with the cancellations, and what advice was given to those planning to fly.
Thousands of Flights Cancelled as Snow Piles Up
KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images
A massive winter storm has unleashed its wrath on the Northeast, dumping up to a foot of snow in some areas and causing widespread travel chaos. More than 1,000 flights have been cancelled across the region, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and frustrated.
The storm, which started on Monday night and intensified on Tuesday, has brought heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility to several major airports, including New York's JFK, Newark, Boston's Logan, and Philadelphia. Airlines have been forced to cancel or delay flights, issue waivers, and rebook passengers on alternative routes.
According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, JetBlue has been the hardest hit, cancelling 19% of its schedule or 156 flights. Other major carriers, such as American, Delta, United, and Southwest, have also cancelled dozens of flights each.
Some passengers have been stuck at the airports for hours, waiting for updates or trying to find a way out. Others have opted to change their plans or seek refunds.
"I was supposed to fly to Boston this morning, but my flight got cancelled last night. I tried to rebook, but there was nothing available until Thursday. I decided to just get a refund and stay home," said Sarah Jones, a teacher from New Jersey.
Travelers Advised to Check Status and Plan Ahead
As the storm continues to batter the Northeast, travelers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and plan ahead for possible disruptions. Airlines have issued waivers for passengers who want to change or cancel their flights without paying a fee.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also issued a ground stop for some airports, meaning that no flights can take off or land until the conditions improve. The FAA website shows the current status of each airport and the average delay time.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings and advisories for several states, including New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Pennsylvania. The NWS warns of hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and coastal flooding.
The storm is expected to move out of the region by Wednesday, but the cleanup and recovery could take longer. Travelers are urged to be patient and flexible as airlines try to resume normal operations.
The winter storm has forced many schools to close or switch to remote learning in major cities, including Boston and New York.
The decision was made to ensure the safety of students and staff, as well as to allow for snow removal and road clearing. Parents and guardians were notified of the closures through various channels, such as phone calls, emails, and social media.
Some students welcomed the snow day, while others expressed disappointment or concern about missing classes and assignments. Teachers and administrators tried to make the best of the situation, offering online resources and support for those who needed them.
Coastal Flooding Threatens Shoreline Communities
Another impact of the winter storm is the potential for coastal flooding along the shoreline communities of the Northeast. The storm surge, combined with high tides and strong winds, could cause water levels to rise above normal and inundate low-lying areas.
The National Weather Service has issued coastal flood warnings and advisories for parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine.
Residents and businesses in the affected areas were advised to prepare for possible flooding, move to higher ground, and avoid driving through flooded roads.
Emergency crews and volunteers were on standby to assist with evacuations and rescues if needed. Some coastal towns also experienced power outages and damage to infrastructure and property.
