Over 1,000 flights canceled in Northeast and Great Lakes regions due to winter storm, as states of emergency declared in New York and New Jersey

Over a thousand flights were canceled or delayed across the Northeast and Great Lakes regions due to snow, as thousands of people traveled on U.S. roads and through airports during the busy holiday period between Christmas and New Year’s.

By Saturday morning, New York City had received just under three inches of snow—about half of what some forecasts had predicted. Flight-tracking service FlightAware reported that at least 1,500 flights were canceled from Friday night into Saturday.

Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport posted snow warnings on the social media platform on Friday, alerting that weather conditions could lead to flight disruptions.

The National Weather Service warned of unsafe travel conditions from the Great Lakes through the northern mid-Atlantic and southern New England, with possible tree damage and power outages. Forecasters noted the storm was expected to weaken by Saturday morning.

Prior to the storm, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for more than half of the state. Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way issued a state of emergency for all of New Jersey, stating it was “due to a severe winter storm causing dangerous weather conditions, including heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain.”

“This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel,” Way said in a statement. “We are urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to the roads. Drivers should plan their travel accordingly, monitor conditions and road closures, and follow all safety protocols.”