Airlines have canceled and delayed thousands of flights as a powerful winter storm barrels through the U.S. Northeast, bringing heavy snowfall, hurricane-force wind gusts and near-whiteout conditions across major cities along the I-95 corridor.
According to flight-tracking data, more than 7,000 flights have been canceled over a two-day period, with roughly 3,000 scrapped on Sunday and an additional 4,000 cancellations announced for Monday. Delays have also surged, with more than 12,000 flights affected within, into or out of the United States as carriers attempt to reposition aircraft and crews ahead of deteriorating conditions.
Forecasters warn that the fast-intensifying system, described by some meteorologists as a “bomb cyclone,” could drop between 18 and 28 inches of snow in parts of the region. Winds are expected to exceed 45 miles per hour in many areas, with gusts near 70 mph possible along coastal sections.
The National Weather Service defines blizzard conditions as sustained winds above 35 mph combined with visibility reduced to less than a quarter mile for at least three hours – criteria that are expected to be met in several states.
Major Airports and Cities Impacted
The storm’s core stretches from Washington, D.C., north through Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and into Boston and coastal Maine. Major airports in New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington have all reported significant disruptions.
New York City issued its first blizzard warning since 2017, with snowfall rates projected to reach one to three inches per hour at the height of the storm. Coastal New Jersey could see up to 28 inches of accumulation, while Philadelphia and surrounding areas are bracing for nearly two feet of snow. Boston forecasters have warned of heavy snowfall combined with strong winds that could cause tree damage and widespread power outages.
While cancellations for Monday are already in the thousands, aviation analysts caution that the total could rise further as the storm progresses. Aircraft displacement and crew scheduling challenges may lead to ripple effects lasting several days, potentially impacting flights into Tuesday and beyond.
Emergency Declarations and Travel Warnings
Authorities across multiple states have declared emergency alerts or states of preparedness. Governors in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware have urged residents to avoid non-essential travel and prepare for power outages. Commercial vehicle restrictions have been issued on several interstate highways, and transportation departments are warning of “impossible travel” conditions in some areas.
Officials emphasize that snowdrifts, high winds and coastal flooding could worsen conditions beyond initial snowfall projections. Visibility is expected to drop sharply during peak periods, creating hazardous driving conditions even for experienced motorists.
Weather agencies estimate that more than 20 million people could be affected by the storm. Residents are being advised to stock up on essential supplies, charge electronic devices and monitor official alerts as the system moves through the region.
For travelers, airlines are encouraging passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport and to consider rebooking where possible. With heavy snow and strong winds expected to continue into Monday, the Northeast’s transportation network faces one of its most significant winter disruptions in years.
