Severe Winter Weather Hits Northeast US, Bringing Heavy Snow and Cancellations to Airports in New York, Boston, and Washington DC

Published on November 23, 2024

As Thanksgiving approaches, travelers across the Northeast are facing significant disruptions due to a potent early-season snowstorm sweeping through Upstate New York and northeastern Pennsylvania. This storm has already resulted in more than a foot of snow in some areas, causing traffic and flight delays. The storm’s effects are particularly intense around major travel hubs like New York, Boston, and Washington.

Snowstorm Delays Thanksgiving Travel Plans

According to the latest forecast from the FOX Weather Center, areas such as High Point, New Jersey, saw a staggering 20 inches of snow, while Franklin, New York recorded 17.1 inches. Parts of Pennsylvania, including Cortez, saw 19 inches of snow accumulation, bringing roads to a standstill. Interstate 84 near Scranton, Pennsylvania, experienced a complete halt in traffic as heavy snow blanketed the area, making travel nearly impossible.

Along with severe snowfalls, gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50mph made the storm even more challenging for travelers. The National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories for areas including West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Tennessee, and North Carolina, warning travelers to prepare for slippery roads and hazardous driving conditions.

Air Travel Disruptions

The winter weather also impacted air travel across the region. Major airports, including those in New York, Boston, and Washington, faced delays and cancellations. At Greater Binghamton Airport in Johnson City, New York, flights were grounded as the heavy snowstorm caused massive disruptions. Meanwhile, other airports in New York, Boston, and Washington reported significant delays, with the Federal Aviation Administration indicating that flight times were extended by up to two hours due to the weather conditions.

Travelers departing from major hubs such as Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport in Boston and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey reported hours-long delays as airlines struggled to manage the snowstorm’s impact on operations.

Winter Weather and Power Outages

In addition to the travel chaos, the storm caused widespread power outages in New York and Pennsylvania. Over 125,000 residents were left without electricity as trees weighed down by heavy snow collapsed onto power lines. Local utility companies are working around the clock to restore power, with an estimated recovery time set for the end of the weekend.

The storm’s effect on the region has also been significant in terms of local infrastructure. Both Tioga Road (Highway 120) and Glacier Point Road through Yosemite National Park are closed for the winter season due to snow. These closures are expected to remain in effect until late May or June, a blow to winter tourism in the park as it prepares for a quieter season.

Safety Tips and Travel Recommendations

As Thanksgiving travelers hit the road, the National Park Service and local authorities are urging them to be mindful of the dangers posed by the storm. The National Park Service has shared a set of travel guidelines for those venturing out during dangerous conditions. These include the need to choose safe routes, prepare for weather changes, and ensure adequate clothing layers to prevent hypothermia.

Travelers are encouraged to stay up to date with weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions. Those venturing into affected areas should have emergency supplies, including food, water, and equipment to keep safe in case of an extended stay due to the storm.

Looking Ahead: A Return to Normalcy

While travel disruptions are expected to continue throughout the weekend, the situation is predicted to improve by Saturday. However, gusty winds and lingering precipitation could continue to impact the region, keeping delays in place.

Beyond the immediate storm effects, the heavy snowfalls and winter weather conditions should help to ease the region’s record-breaking drought and reduce the wildfire threat that has affected parts of the country. With the region’s weather systems shifting toward colder temperatures, Thanksgiving travel is expected to return to normal as the storm system moves out, but it will serve as a reminder of the challenges faced during the winter months.

The cold front behind this storm is expected to bring below-average temperatures to much of the country in the coming days, making it an important reminder for all travelers to prepare for the coldest air of the season heading into December.

Conclusion: Winter Travel in a Stormy Thanksgiving Week

This snowstorm has proved to be one of the most impactful early-season storms in recent memory, affecting thousands of travelers in the Northeast. With snow accumulations of up to 20 inches in some areas and air travel delays extending to several hours, this weather event is a significant part of the Thanksgiving travel story this year. Travelers are advised to take extra precautions, monitor conditions closely, and be prepared for further travel disruptions as the storm continues to move through the region.