A powerful winter storm swept across large parts of the United States on Monday, grounding thousands of flights and bringing major airports in the Northeast to a near standstill as blizzard conditions intensified throughout the day.
Airlines reported more than 8000 flight disruptions nationwide, with the heaviest impact concentrated in major travel hubs including John F Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Logan International Airport. Departures and arrivals were delayed for hours as heavy snowfall, strong winds and poor visibility created hazardous runway conditions.
The National Weather Service warned that snowfall rates in some areas could exceed two inches per hour, accompanied by wind gusts strong enough to cause drifting and whiteout conditions. Governors in several states declared states of emergency, urging residents to avoid non essential travel and to prepare for possible power outages.
Road conditions deteriorated rapidly across parts of New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut, with state transportation departments deploying plows and salt trucks in continuous rotations. Authorities reported multiple traffic accidents on interstate highways as motorists struggled with icy surfaces and reduced visibility.
Airlines issued travel waivers allowing passengers to rebook without penalty. Industry analysts said the scale of cancellations reflected both the intensity of the storm and the concentration of air traffic in the Northeast corridor, one of the busiest aviation regions in the world. Disruptions were expected to ripple through the national air network for several days as aircraft and crew rotations were thrown off schedule.
Amtrak also reported delays along key routes serving the Northeast, though rail services continued operating with caution. Power companies in several states mobilized repair crews in anticipation of downed lines caused by heavy snow accumulation and wind.
Meteorologists indicated that the storm system could gradually move offshore by late Tuesday, but warned that lingering cold temperatures would keep roadways icy. Officials advised residents to monitor local forecasts and heed safety guidance as cleanup efforts continue.
Travelers were urged to check with airlines before heading to airports and to allow extra time for any essential journeys. With millions of people affected, the storm underscored the vulnerability of transport infrastructure to extreme winter weather events.
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