A severe winter storm battered the U.S. Northeast on Saturday, leaving up to a foot of snow across parts of New York and causing widespread travel disruptions.

Officials warned residents to stay off the roads as airline cancellations and delays mounted.

Meteorologists reported six to 10 inches (15–25 cm) of snow from Syracuse to Long Island, with Connecticut also heavily affected. New York City received two to four inches overnight, including 4.3 inches in Central Park — the most since 2022.

“The good news is that the heaviest snow is done,” said Bob Oravec of the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center. “Only a few flurries remain this morning, tapering off by the afternoon.”

States of emergency

New York and New Jersey declared states of emergency as officials urged extreme caution.

“The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and I continue to urge extreme caution throughout the duration of this storm,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said.

New Jersey’s acting governor, Tahesha Way, also warned, “This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel. We are urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to roads.”

Flight cancellations

The storm heavily impacted air travel, with more than 9,000 domestic U.S. flights canceled or delayed by early evening. Major airports in the New York area, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International Airport, were particularly affected.

American Airlines, United Airlines, and JetBlue Airways waived change fees for affected passengers to ease travel disruptions.

Road Conditions

Ice storm warnings and winter weather advisories were issued for much of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. New Jersey and Pennsylvania also implemented commercial vehicle restrictions on many interstate highways to prevent accidents.

Officials emphasized the dangers posed by icy and snow-covered roads, urging motorists to avoid nonessential travel.