A powerful winter storm has brought New York City to a standstill, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency and causing severe disruption to holiday travel across the United States.
Travel Chaos Grips the Northeast
The severe weather system dumped up to six inches of snow on parts of New York City on Friday, December 27, 2025. The treacherous conditions led to the cancellation of approximately 1,500 flights across the northeastern US that evening. By Saturday morning, the disruption had escalated nationwide, with a staggering 14,000 domestic flights axed.
All three major airports serving the city—John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International—issued warnings and experienced significant delays and cancellations. The storm hit during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, stranding thousands of passengers.
Official Warnings and Emergency Measures
In response to the dangerous conditions, New York Governor Kathy Hochul placed half the state under a state of emergency. She urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stating: “I encourage everyone to monitor local forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel. If you have to travel, plan ahead, take it slow, and leave plenty of time.”
Neighbouring New Jersey also declared a state of emergency. Governor Tahesha Way warned that the storm would create dangerous road conditions and severely impact holiday travel, advising people to stay off the roads to allow crews to work.
New York Mayor Eric Adams acknowledged the efforts of sanitation and emergency management teams on social media, while reminding citizens to shovel their sidewalks to keep the city moving safely.
Residents and Visitors React
The storm caught many by surprise. Payton Baker, visiting New York with Kolby Gray for their third anniversary, commented on the unexpected cold but noted the city was working hard to salt the roads. Workers were seen shovelling snow in iconic locations like Times Square as residents heeded advice to avoid travel where possible.
This is the heaviest snowfall to hit New York since eight inches fell in 2022, marking a significant weather event that has tested the region's infrastructure during a critical holiday period.
