Widespread paralysis of US air traffic
A powerful snowstorm, accompanied by high winds and heavy snow, brought air traffic across much of the northeastern United States to a near standstill, canceling thousands of flights and delaying hundreds more, disrupting the travel plans of tens of thousands of passengers. According to flight tracking data, more than 5,500 flights to and from the United States had been canceled as of Monday morning, marking the most significant disruption of the winter.
Major airports such as John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, LaGuardia Airport, and airports in Boston, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., were among the hardest hit. The wave of cancellations began on Sunday, with more than 4,000 flights preemptively canceled, in addition to the cancellation of approximately 1,600 more flights scheduled for Tuesday, indicating that the storm's effects could linger for days.
Historical context of winter storms in the region
These extreme weather phenomena in the region are known as "nor'easters," storms that form along the eastern coast of North America and are renowned for their fierce winds and heavy snowfall. Historically, this area has experienced numerous devastating winter storms that have paralyzed daily life for days. This storm comes amidst growing scientific debate about the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, with some experts suggesting that warming ocean temperatures may contribute to these storms carrying more moisture, leading to heavier snowfall.
Local and international impact of the storm
The storm's impact extends far beyond airports, affecting all aspects of life in the affected cities. States of emergency have been declared in several countries, schools and government offices have closed, and power grids have been overwhelmed, leaving thousands of homes and businesses without electricity. Internationally, the disruption of operations at major airports like John F. Kennedy International Airport has a ripple effect on the global aviation network, as these airports are key gateways for intercontinental flights, and their closures are causing delays and cancellations in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.
Official warnings and travel advice
Under these conditions, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urged travelers to continuously monitor updates and check directly with their airlines regarding the status of their flights before heading to the airport. For its part, the US National Weather Service described travel conditions as “extremely difficult and near impossible” in the most affected areas, emphasizing that the danger persists as snow continues to fall and visibility remains severely reduced.
