Thousands of travellers faced major disruptions over the weekend as Winter Storm Devin swept across the United States, bringing heavy snow, icy roads, and strong winds to much of the Northeast during the busy holiday travel period.
The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for New York, New Jersey, and surrounding states, with snow accumulations expected to reach 8–9 inches (20–23 cm) in some areas. Meteorologists warned of hazardous conditions, including slippery roads, poor visibility, and travel delays on both air and ground routes.
By Friday evening, nearly 1,500 flights had been cancelled nationwide, and over 5,400 were delayed, according to FlightAware. Airports in the New York metropolitan area, including John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia, were particularly affected, with hundreds of flights grounded at each hub. Airlines like JetBlue and Delta reported some of the highest numbers of cancellations.
Officials advised travellers to avoid non-essential travel as the storm moved in. Several states, including New York and New Jersey, declared states of emergency, activating road-clearing crews and emergency services to keep highways safe. Authorities urged motorists to exercise caution, as icy surfaces and snow-covered roads posed serious risks.
Airlines responded by offering flexible rebooking options and waiving change fees, helping passengers adjust travel plans disrupted by the storm. Despite these measures, travellers faced long waits at airports, and some flights were delayed for several hours while crews worked to clear snow and ice from runways and aircraft.
The storm hit at the peak of holiday travel, when millions of people typically fly across the country. The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds created widespread disruptions not just in the Northeast but across other regions, affecting both domestic and international flights.
Winter storm Devin highlighted the challenges of managing air travel during extreme weather events, particularly during busy travel periods. Authorities continue to monitor conditions, with forecasts warning that the storm could bring continued snow and icy conditions through the weekend. Travellers are advised to check flight schedules frequently and plan for delays if travel is unavoidable.
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