Key Takeaways:
- Over 2,000 flights were canceled or delayed across the Northeast and Great Lakes regions due to a winter storm
- At least 2,700 flights have been canceled across the U.S. since Friday, with thousands more delayed
- New York City received just under three inches of snow, with other areas receiving more significant amounts
- Winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect for over 13 million people, with 7.7 million others under a winter storm watch
- Hazardous travel conditions, tree damage, and power outages are expected due to the storm
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The Northeast and Great Lakes regions were hit by a winter storm on Saturday, causing widespread disruptions to travel plans. The storm, which brought ice and snow to the area, resulted in the cancellation or delay of over 2,000 flights. According to the flight-tracking website FlightAware, at least 2,700 flights have been canceled across the U.S. since Friday, with thousands more delayed. The storm’s impact was felt across the region, with New York City receiving just under three inches of snow, roughly half of what some forecasts had predicted.
Weather Warnings and Advisories
The National Weather Service warned of hazardous travel conditions from the Great Lakes through the northern mid-Atlantic and southern New England, with the potential for tree damage and power outages. Winter storm warnings are in effect from Friday afternoon through midday Saturday for New York City and surrounding areas, including northern New Jersey, most of Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and western Connecticut. An ice storm warning is in effect through Saturday morning in several counties in central Pennsylvania. Additionally, over 13 million people are under a winter weather advisory, while 7.7 million others are under a winter storm watch.
Government Response and Travel Disruptions
Ahead of the storm, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for more than half of the state. She advised people in the region to delay their travel plans, stating that if people stay off the roads, plows will be able to clear the snow more efficiently. The governor also warned that the storm’s impact could be significant, but expressed confidence in the ability of New Yorkers to cope with the conditions. The storm’s impact on travel was significant, with major airports such as Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport posting snow warnings on social media, cautioning that weather conditions could cause flight disruptions.
Forecast and Expected Weather Conditions
Forecasters predict more snow this weekend in the Midwest and Great Lakes, with rain and embedded thunderstorms possible on Sunday evening. Blizzard conditions are likely by early Monday, with blowing snow and possible whiteout conditions. In the Northeast, snow is expected to wrap up across central and southern New England on Saturday, where 4 to 8 inches were reported in spots. Colder-than-normal temperatures are expected for the rest of the weekend. Additionally, snow will continue into the northern and central Rockies and nearby High Plains this weekend, although a fast-moving system will limit snowfall amounts overall.
Regional Weather Conditions
In the Northern Plains, arctic air will surge south on Saturday behind a strong cold front, bringing some of the coldest air yet this season. Temperatures will drop below zero in parts of Montana by Sunday morning, and wind chills will fall below minus 30 degrees with gusty winds. CBS Philadelphia reported that roads and sidewalks could be slick on Saturday after the region saw a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain overnight. Temperatures are expected to be above freezing during the day, but black ice could form on the roads overnight. The storm’s impact will be felt across the region, with hazardous travel conditions, tree damage, and power outages expected.
Conclusion and Further Updates
The winter storm that hit the Northeast and Great Lakes regions has caused significant disruptions to travel plans, with thousands of flights canceled or delayed. The storm’s impact is expected to continue throughout the weekend, with more snow and cold temperatures forecasted. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts and advisories to ensure safety and minimize disruptions. CBS News will continue to provide updates on the storm’s progress and any further developments.