Chaos Hits New York as Major Snowstorm Disrupts Flights and Travel Plans – What You Need to Know About the Winter Weather Crisis in the US

Published on December 26, 2025

The Tri-State area is preparing for a major winter storm set to hit New York City, New Jersey, Long Island, and Connecticut starting Friday evening and continuing into Saturday morning. According to the National Weather Service, the snowstorm will bring heavy snow and reduced visibility, making travel across the region especially hazardous.

Snowstorm Expected to Bring Significant Accumulation

The storm is expected to hit New York City by 5 p.m. on Friday, bringing 4 to 8 inches of snow, with the potential for up to 9 inches in some areas. This marks the heaviest snowfall the city has seen in nearly four years, causing significant disruptions to both local and air travel. The storm will continue overnight, impacting roads, airports, and everyday activities.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the Tri-State region, with predictions for 6 to 9 inches of snow in upstate New York, and up to 10 inches in the Hudson Valley. Northern New Jersey could see between 5 and 8 inches, while Hartford, Connecticut, is expected to receive about 4 inches. As the storm intensifies, it is expected to cause widespread issues throughout the region, affecting both ground and air transportation.

Air Travel Disruptions: Flight Cancellations Already Mounting

The winter storm’s impact on air travel has already been felt, with major New York City airports experiencing widespread flight cancellations. As of Friday morning, JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty airports are reporting significant disruptions. Airlines are preemptively cancelling flights to avoid complications from the anticipated snowstorm.

JetBlue leads the pack with 219 flight cancellations, representing about 22% of their schedule, as the airline has large operations at all three airports. Delta Airlines follows closely with 161 cancellations, about 5% of their flight schedule.

The breakdown of cancellations at each airport includes:

• JFK Airport: 122 cancelled flights (19% of flights)
• Newark Liberty: 61 cancelled flights (10% of flights)
• LaGuardia: 41 cancelled flights (9% of flights)

Passengers are strongly advised to check their flight statuses regularly to avoid unnecessary delays. Airlines are actively working to accommodate passengers whose flights have been cancelled or delayed due to the storm.

Travel Advisory Issued for the Tri-State Region

In response to the storm, New York City Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory for the evening of December 26 into December 27. The advisory urges residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, as conditions are expected to worsen, with snow accumulation and freezing temperatures making roads and highways dangerous.

As part of the storm response, New York State has prepared to deploy more than 1,600 plow trucks to clear snow from major roads and highways. The New York State Department of Transportation is also on standby to manage road conditions and keep traffic moving as safely as possible.

Holiday Travel Rush Adds to Disruption

This winter storm is hitting at the peak of the holiday travel period, with nearly 15 million travellers expected to use major New York City airports, bridges, and tunnels. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey had already anticipated significant traffic and air travel in the region due to the holiday rush, but the storm has now compounded the challenge.

The Port Authority is advising all passengers and commuters to be prepared for delays and to adjust their travel plans accordingly. City officials are urging residents to consider postponing non-essential travel and remain indoors if possible to stay safe from the storm’s effects.

Preparing for Snowy Conditions: Snow Removal and Infrastructure in Place

Despite the storm’s potential to disrupt daily life, the New York City and State Emergency Services are well-prepared to handle the snow. The authorities have already mobilized plows and salt spreaders to keep the streets clear, and additional resources will be deployed as needed. The Department of Transportation has also ensured that snow removal operations will be swift and effective, particularly on major highways, bridges, and transit routes.

As travel disruptions continue, the New York City Department of Sanitation and New York State have assured residents that snow removal will be prioritized to keep critical infrastructure functional.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

As the storm progresses, New Yorkers should expect continued disruptions throughout the weekend. The combination of heavy snowfall and low visibility will likely make travel hazardous. For those heading to airports, it is essential to check the latest flight statuses and be aware of any updates on cancellations or delays.

Meanwhile, local authorities are continuing to monitor the storm’s progress and will adjust snow removal and emergency response strategies as the situation develops. If the storm worsens, further advisories and warnings may be issued to ensure public safety.

This storm serves as a reminder of how unpredictable winter weather can impact the Tri-State area, and residents are urged to remain cautious and prepared as snow accumulation continues to increase.