Historic US East Coast Snowstorm Cancels 5,000+ Flights
A historic snowstorm hit the US East Coast, dumping record snowfall, causing power outages for 600,000+, and cancelling over 5,000 flights across major airports.
Ellofacts
Over 5,000 Flights Cancelled as Historic Snowstorm Paralyses the US East Coast
A powerful winter storm swept across the US east coast on Monday, delivering record-breaking snowfall that brought daily life to a standstill, knocked out power for hundreds of thousands, and forced the cancellation of more than 5,000 flights nationwide.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts recorded nearly 37 inches (94 cm) of snow, while New York City’s Central Park saw over 19 inches (48 cm). Officials warned of extremely hazardous travel conditions, describing them as “nearly impossible” in several regions.
More than 600,000 homes and businesses lost electricity, with New Jersey and Massachusetts suffering the largest outages. Winter storm warnings were issued from North Carolina through northern Maine, extending into eastern parts of Canada. Heavy snowfall was expected to continue through Monday night, with some coastal areas forecast to accumulate 1 to 2 feet of snow by Tuesday morning.
Rhode Island experienced its worst snowstorm on record, with Providence, the state capital, receiving 36 inches of snow, surpassing the previous record of 28.6 inches set in February 1978. Meteorologists said the scale of snowfall exceeded all expectations.
To ensure public safety, authorities imposed non-essential travel bans in Rhode Island and Connecticut, while Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey ordered a similar ban in southeastern parts of the state and reduced speed limits on major highways. Officials urged residents to stay off roads due to whiteout conditions and dangerous visibility.
In New York City, travel restrictions briefly shut down highways, bridges, and major roads, bringing the city to a near halt before being lifted later in the day. In Providence, officials reported that over 300 vehicles were towed for obstructing snow removal operations.
The storm also caused massive disruption to air travel. More than 5,700 flights within, into, or out of the US were cancelled, according to FlightAware. Nearly 98% of departures from New York’s LaGuardia Airport and 91% from JFK Airport were grounded. Boston Logan International Airport and Newark Liberty Airport both cancelled about 92% of outgoing flights, while Philadelphia International Airport suspended nearly 80%.
Travel disruptions are expected to continue into Tuesday, with over 2,000 additional flight cancellations forecast, especially affecting airports in New York and Boston.
