New England Faces Travel Chaos as Winter Storm Brings Snow and Delays Amid Holiday Rush
December 21, 2024New England is bracing for slippery travel conditions due to a weather disturbance that began affecting the region on the evening of December 20, 2024, bringing snow accumulation and bitter cold temperatures over the weekend.
Newark Liberty Airport reported that about 18% of flights were delayed, along with cancellations across all three major airports in the area.
The RAC anticipates around seven million leisure trips will occur over the weekend, leading to congestion hotspots on major routes such as the M25, M3, and M53.
The storm has resulted in significant snowfall across the tri-state area, impacting travel and daily activities.
In New York, snowfall totals varied, with Warwick recording the highest at 4.8 inches, while Manhattan saw 1.8 inches.
At Logan Airport, flight departures faced delays averaging 1 hour and 51 minutes due to the storm, although these delays were decreasing by the evening.
Drivers are reminded to practice safe driving by adhering to speed limits, slowing down for emergency responders, and staying alert and sober while on the road.
Despite the snowy conditions, holiday travel remains largely unaffected, with forecasts predicting nearly 120 million travelers during the holiday season, marking one of the busiest years on record.
Cold temperatures may affect vehicle performance, particularly batteries and tires, prompting recommendations to check batteries that are 3-5 years old.
Over 200 flights have been delayed at various airports due to strong winds and airspace restrictions, further complicating travel plans.
The city's sanitation department advises drivers to avoid road travel until noon on December 21, 2024, to ensure safety during the storm.
New Yorkers are encouraged to subscribe to emergency weather alerts through Notify NYC, which provides advisories in multiple languages, including American Sign Language.
Summary based on 74 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Dec 21, 2024
UK flights and ferries cancelled owing to high winds as Christmas getaway beginsYahoo News • Dec 20, 2024
Updated snowfall forecast: Latest timeline, expected totals map for snow in MassachusettsNew York Post • Dec 21, 2024
NY snow heralds winter's arrival -- but may not stick around for ChristmasCBS Boston • Dec 20, 2024
Snow today in Boston. Forecast maps show how much could fall across Massachusetts