URGENT UPDATE: A powerful snowstorm has wreaked havoc on holiday travel, stranding hundreds of passengers at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as of late Friday night. With forecasts predicting up to a foot of snow across the tri-state area, flight cancellations surged, leaving travelers facing an overnight nightmare.
As of Friday evening, JFK reported 158 canceled flights and 204 delays, the highest totals of any airport in the country, according to FlightAware. The chaos unfolded rapidly as snow began accumulating, with flight boards displaying a sea of red cancellation notices.
“I came to New York to have a ‘Home Alone’ Christmas just by myself,” said Danniel Sermone, 31, whose flight to Denver was canceled. “I have been hanging out at JFK for about eight hours and still got like 30 left.” His next flight is scheduled for 6 a.m. on December 28, leaving him with a long wait ahead.
The snowstorm prompted state officials to declare a state of emergency across more than half of New York, affecting thousands of travelers. Mara Pimenta, arriving from São Paulo with her husband and two young children, expressed frustration at the lack of communication after her Latam Airlines flight was canceled. “I have been on hold for an hour… I just have a lot of luggage and two children,” she said, highlighting the stress of the situation.
Adding to the turmoil, nearby airports were also severely impacted. Newark Liberty International Airport faced 107 cancellations, while LaGuardia Airport recorded 90 flights scrapped. Travelers are left to navigate a web of confusion and uncertainty as the storm continues to escalate.
The National Weather Service warns of intensifying conditions, forecasting snowfall rates exceeding two inches per hour. A winter storm warning is in effect until early Saturday afternoon, prompting officials to advise residents to avoid travel if possible.
“New Yorkers should all prepare — avoid driving if possible,” urged Mayor Eric Adams. He encouraged citizens to stay informed through Notify NYC for real-time updates as the storm progresses.
Passenger Chaithanya Sing, stranded with her 9-month-old baby, shared her own frustrations. Her flight to India was canceled, and despite her efforts to seek assistance, she found herself at a “ghost counter” with no staff available to help. “It’s very depressing because my daughter was going to meet her grandparents for the first time,” she lamented.
As this story develops, travelers are urged to remain patient and vigilant. The situation at JFK and other airports is changing rapidly, and more updates are expected as weather conditions evolve. Travelers are encouraged to stay tuned for the latest information and to prepare for further disruptions.
