US Snowstorm Relief: 1,500 Flights Cleared as Storm Weakens Over the Northeast

A major winter storm that had crippled air travel in the US Northeast and Great Lakes has started to subside, offering some reprieve to holiday travelers. According to flight-tracking service FlightAware, over 1,500 flights were grounded from Friday night due to heavy snowfall, with New York City receiving around 4 inches of snow. The storm, which had prompted warnings of hazardous travel conditions, was expected to weaken by Saturday morning, allowing crews to clear roads and airports. Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport had issued snow warnings, cautioning travelers of potential flight disruptions. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way had declared states of emergency ahead of the storm, urging travelers to avoid travel and allowing crews to tend to the roads. As the storm subsides, workers are working to clear streets and sidewalks in cities like New York, using shovels and snowblowers to clear the sludge and powder-coated surfaces. While some communities saw as much as 10 inches of snowfall, forecasters said the storm was quick-moving, with the largest snowfall in the New York City area reaching over 6 inches in central eastern Long Island. With the storm weakening, travelers are hopeful that their holiday plans will not be severely impacted.