A major winter storm has cancelled thousands of US flights, disrupting travel plans for millions of Americans over the weekend.
The storm, bringing snow, ice, and bitterly cold temperatures, has already forced at least 8,000 flights to be cancelled, with more than a dozen states issuing emergency declarations or urging residents to stay home.
Airlines and transportation authorities are scrambling to adjust schedules as the storm threatens to create dangerous road conditions and widespread power outages.
Flight tracking site FlightAware reported that at least 3,400 flights were delayed or cancelled on Saturday alone, while more than 5,000 flights scheduled for Sunday were also called off.
The cancellations come as a harsh winter front sweeps across the country, from east Texas to North Carolina, carrying heavy snow and a dangerous band of ice capable of downing power lines and blocking roads.
Meteorologists have warned that the storm represents one of the harshest weather events so far this season. Jacob Asherman, a meteorologist with the US Weather Prediction Center, described it as “a mean storm” with the potential for damage comparable to that caused by a hurricane, particularly in areas coated with ice.
Forecasters say roughly 140 million people from New Mexico to New England are under winter storm warnings, facing extremely cold wind chills and icy conditions.
The storm has already hit parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, where snowfall began on Friday. These areas are expected to experience worsening conditions as the storm converges with Arctic air, bringing temperatures that can plunge to dangerous levels.
Life-threatening wind-chill readings have been recorded in the Dakotas and Minnesota, dropping below minus 45 degrees Celsius (minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit). Meteorologists warn that exposure to such cold without proper clothing could quickly result in hypothermia.
The hardest-hit areas for ice accumulation are predicted to be Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, where power lines and trees are at risk of collapsing under thick layers of ice.
Governors in more than a dozen states have issued emergency declarations, mobilizing resources and urging people to stay indoors.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott took to social media to encourage residents to “stay home if possible” while transportation departments work to pretreat roads and keep traffic moving safely.
Utility companies are preparing for widespread outages. Ice-laden tree limbs and power lines are particularly hazardous, and crews may be required to clear debris long after the storm has passed.
In addition, airports across the country are bracing for continued disruption, with cancellations expected to ripple into Monday as crews struggle to recover flight schedules.
President Donald Trump addressed the storm via social media, stating that federal, state, and local authorities are coordinating emergency response efforts.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is fully prepared to deploy assistance as needed, particularly in regions most vulnerable to ice-related damage.
Trump emphasized the importance of residents following safety guidelines and avoiding unnecessary travel during the storm.
The storm also serves as the first major test for New York City’s newly inaugurated Mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
The mayor has announced plans to mobilize the city’s sanitation workforce into “the nation’s largest snow-fighting operation” to prepare for heavy snowfall expected on Sunday. New York officials are working around the clock to ensure major thoroughfares, subway lines, and emergency routes remain operational.
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Airlines have been forced to adjust quickly, pausing flights and rescheduling crews while communicating cancellations to passengers.
Major hubs in Texas, the Midwest, and the Northeast are particularly affected, with travelers facing long delays, crowded terminals, and difficulty finding alternative flights. Some carriers are offering rebooking options and waiving change fees to help passengers navigate the disruption.
In addition to travel and power concerns, the storm’s extreme cold poses serious health risks.
Emergency services across affected states are advising residents to check on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, and to take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia.
Schools and public offices in some regions have announced closures to reduce exposure and prevent accidents on icy roads.
While the storm is primarily affecting the central and eastern US, forecasters caution that its impacts may be felt nationwide. Snow accumulation, ice storms, and freezing temperatures can disrupt supply chains, delay deliveries, and cause damage to infrastructure.
Transportation agencies are monitoring highways for closures due to accidents or impassable conditions, and emergency crews are standing by for rapid deployment.
Communities are also preparing for potential secondary effects. Ice accumulation can weaken trees and power poles, increasing the risk of outages for days after the storm passes.
Officials advise residents to stock up on essential supplies, including food, water, and medications, and to have backup heating options available in case of prolonged power loss. Emergency shelters are being readied for those who may need to evacuate unsafe homes.
For travelers, flexibility is key. Airlines are recommending checking flight status frequently, arriving early at airports, and planning for delays.
Ground transportation is also under strain, with snowplows and salt trucks working around the clock to keep highways and city streets navigable.
Drivers are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary trips, especially during peak snowfall periods.
As the storm progresses, experts predict that some regions could see accumulations rivaling previous record events. The combination of snow, freezing rain, and strong winds creates treacherous conditions not just for travel but also for outdoor activities.
Winter weather warnings, advisories, and emergency alerts are in effect, and residents are encouraged to stay informed through local authorities and weather services.
The economic impact of the storm is likely to be significant. Flight cancellations alone disrupt business travel, tourism, and cargo movement, while power outages and hazardous road conditions can delay deliveries and strain emergency services.
Local governments are coordinating response efforts to minimize damage, clear roadways, and restore services as quickly as possible once the storm subsides.
Experts say that preparation and caution are critical in reducing the human and economic toll of severe winter weather.
By following official guidance, minimizing travel, and preparing homes and vehicles for extreme conditions, residents can help ensure safety during one of the most severe storms of the season.
In summary, the winter storm cancelling thousands of US flights is affecting millions of Americans, creating dangerous travel conditions, widespread flight cancellations, and life-threatening cold.
Officials and residents are mobilizing resources to cope with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, while emergency services remain on high alert across the country.
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