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Approximately 1,500 flights were cancelled starting Friday night, as reported by FlightAware, a flight-tracking service. However, by Saturday morning, conditions on both the roads and in the skies began to improve.
“The storm is definitely winding down, with just some flurries across the Northeast this morning,” said Bob Oravec, a forecaster based in Maryland with the National Weather Service.
Oravec explained that the storm moved swiftly from the northwest towards the southeastern United States. The heaviest snowfall was recorded in the New York City area, where central eastern Long Island experienced over 15 centimeters of snow.
Further north in the Catskills, some communities reported snowfall accumulations reaching up to 25 centimeters.
On Friday, Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport issued snow advisories on the social media platform X, warning travelers of potential flight disruptions due to adverse weather conditions.
The National Weather Service warned of hazardous travel conditions from the Great Lakes through the northern mid-Atlantic and southern New England, with the potential for tree damage and power outages. Forecasters said the storm was expected to weaken by Saturday morning.
In Times Square on Saturday, workers in red jumpsuits worked to clear the sludge and powder-coated streets and sidewalks using shovels and snowblowers.
Jennifer Yokley, who was in Times Square on a holiday trip from North Carolina, said she was excited to see snow accumulating as it dusted buildings, trees and signs throughout the city.
“I think it was absolutely beautiful,” she said.
Payton Baker and Kolby Gray, who were visiting New York City from West Virginia on Saturday, said the snow was a Christmas surprise for their third anniversary trip.
“Well, it’s very cold and it was very unexpected,” Baker said, her breath visible in the winter air. “The city is working pretty well to get all the roads salted and everything, so it’s all right.”
Ahead of 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 declared a state of emergency for all of New Jersey, “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.”