UPDATE: A powerful snowstorm has grounded hundreds of travelers at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), creating an overnight crisis as flight cancellations surged. As snow continued to accumulate across New York City and the surrounding tri-state area, travelers faced a chaotic scene filled with uncertainty and frustration.
By Friday evening, JFK recorded a staggering 158 canceled flights and 204 delays, the highest total in the nation for that day, according to FlightAware. The storm prompted state officials to declare a state of emergency, with forecasts predicting up to a foot of snow in some areas by Saturday afternoon.
Danniel Sermone, 31, expressed his dismay after his flight to Denver was canceled early Friday. “I came to New York to have a ‘Home Alone’ Christmas just by myself,” he said. “I have been hanging out at JFK for about eight hours and still got like 30 left.” His next available flight is not until 6 a.m. on December 28.
International travelers faced severe disruptions as well. Mara Pimenta, who flew in from São Paulo with her family, lamented, “We don’t know when we can go back to Brazil.” Pimenta’s Latam Airlines flight was abruptly canceled, leaving her on hold for over an hour with no clear answers. “I just have a lot of luggage and two children,” she added, highlighting the distress of the situation.
Compounding the chaos, hotels in the area were fully booked. Chaithanya Sing, traveling with her 9-month-old baby, had her Air France flight to India canceled. “It’s like a ghost counter,” she said, referring to the empty check-in area. “My daughter was going to meet her grandparents for the first time,” she added, emphasizing the emotional toll of the disruption.
Nearby airports were also significantly affected, with Newark Liberty International Airport reporting 107 cancellations and LaGuardia Airport logging 90 cancellations. The storm is expected to intensify overnight, with snowfall rates potentially exceeding two inches per hour.
Authorities are urging travelers to stay informed. “New Yorkers should all prepare — avoid driving if possible,” said Mayor Eric Adams. He recommended allowing extra travel time on public transit and signing up for Notify NYC for real-time updates.
As the situation continues to unfold, travelers are advised to stay alert to changing conditions and to check flight statuses frequently. The winter storm warning remains in effect through early Saturday afternoon.
This developing story highlights the immediate impact of severe weather on holiday travel, leaving many stranded and anxious for updates. Stay tuned for further updates as the storm progresses and authorities respond to the crisis.
