A severe winter storm named Devin has significantly disrupted holiday travel across the northeastern United States, resulting in extensive flight cancellations and delays. This meteorological event has prompted emergency declarations in several states, transforming what is typically one of the busiest travel seasons into a period of considerable frustration and logistical challenges for passengers.
On Friday, as families and individuals attempted to reach their holiday destinations, Winter Storm Devin unleashed its fury across the Northeast. The storm's heavy snowfall and treacherous conditions led to the grounding of thousands of flights, leaving countless travelers stranded or forced to alter their plans. Flight tracking data indicated that over 27,000 flights globally experienced delays, with approximately 7,800 of those affecting flights within, into, or out of the U.S. Furthermore, more than 2,000 flights worldwide were canceled, including a substantial 1,650 domestic and international flights connected to the United States.
The impact was particularly acute in the New York metropolitan area. John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport bore the brunt of the disruptions, with these three major hubs accounting for more than half of all U.S. flight interruptions. Authorities at these airports issued stern warnings to passengers, advising them of potential delays and outright cancellations as snowfall intensified throughout the region.
Leading airlines, including JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines Holdings, and Republic Airways, reported significant numbers of grounded flights. JetBlue, with its strong operational focus in the Northeast, experienced the highest volume of cancellations. This widespread operational halt underscored the severe challenges posed by the winter weather to the aviation industry during a critical travel window.
In response to the escalating crisis, the National Weather Service issued alerts forecasting dangerous travel conditions from the Great Lakes all the way to southern New England, expected to persist through Saturday morning. Projections indicated that parts of upstate New York, New York City, and Long Island could receive between 4 to 8 inches of snow. To mitigate risks and ensure public safety, both New York and New Jersey declared states of emergency. Additionally, New Jersey and Pennsylvania implemented restrictions on commercial vehicle traffic on major highways, aiming to reduce the likelihood of accidents amid the severe weather. The comprehensive response highlighted the severity of Winter Storm Devin and its far-reaching consequences for holiday commuters.