The Northeast is in the midst of a severe snowstorm, dampening travel plans for millions of Americans after Christmas, as California recovers from catastrophic flooding, which left three people dead.
Some 60 million people were under winter weather alerts from New York to Philadelphia this weekend, with about 5 to 8 inches of snow is expected throughout the region, according to Fox Weather.
The wintry weather was expected from north-central New Jersey through New York City into southern Connecticut. Higher snowfall amounts may be seen in the lower Hudson Valley, located just north of the Big Apple.
The effects have already been seen at US airports, where there have been more than 1,800 delays and over 600 cancellations as of 8am ET.
All three major airports in America’s biggest city have been impacted by the snow and icy weather. Officials have issued a ground delay at LaGuardia Airport, causing travel delays of nearly one hour, according to the FAA.
A ground stop is currently in effect at Newark Airport, with the FAA reporting that arriving flights are being delayed an average of 48 minutes.
JFK’s AirTrain is also experiencing a service disruption. The airport is offering free shuttle buses to commuters but urged ticketed passengers to allow for extra travel time today.
A winter storm warning is in effect for the tri-state area until 1pm today. Officials across the have warned people to stay off the roads if possible and exercise caution if travel is absolutely necessary.
As of Saturday morning, New York City had received just under three inches of snow. Pictured are snow-covered houses in Brooklyn, New York in the early hours of December 27
Snowplows worked to clear snow at LaGuardia Airport in New York overnight
Pedestrians cross Seventh Avenue near Times Square as snow falls in the early morning on Saturday, December 27, 2025 in New York City.
NYSDOT snow and ice crews worked overnight to plow snow and ice slick roadways across New York state
As of Saturday morning, New York City had received just under three inches of snow – roughly half of what some forecasts had predicted.
At least 1,890 flights were delayed as of Saturday morning and 643 canceled, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware.
American Airlines, United Airlines and JetBlue Airways have waived change fees for passengers who may be affected by weather-related disruptions, Reuters reported.
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, with only a few lingering showers predicted. Officials warn a fresh layer of snow on top of the overnight ice could worsen slippery road conditions.
A cold front is moving in Sunday, which forecasters warn could cause significants travel delays in the east and south.
The front, associated with incoming Winter Storm Ezra, could impacted the northeast, midwest and Great Lakes – all of which were hard hit by Friday’s storm system, according to the Weather Channel.
An overview of Brooklyn, New York on December 27, 2025, after a severe winter storm
Workers move a food truck down Seventh Avenue near Times Square as snow falls in the early morning on Saturday, December 27, 2025 in New York City
A pedestrian crosses 41st Street near Grand Central Station while snow falls in the morning on Saturday, December 27, 2025 in New York City
A person plows snow outside of Grand Central Station as snow falls during a winter storm in New York City overnight
Winter Storm Ezra is expected to bring freezing rain, sleet or snow to the northeast. Most areas will see rain, expect for New England where snow and colder temperatures are expected.
Heavy lake-effect snow is expected to pummel the midwestern snowbelt, especially in nothern Wisconsin and upper and western Michigan.
Meteorologists warn that if the current forecast persists, airports across the region will experience even more delays.
Commercial vehicle restrictions were issued overnight for several roads, including many interstate highways, across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Ahead of the storm, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for more than half of the state.
Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state 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.’
People wait for their flight at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York, on Friday as a winter storm tears through the Northeast
Workers begin shoveling in front of the famous TKTS steps in Times Square on Friday
Snow falls by a gas station on December 26, 2025 in Nyack, New York as a state of emergency was declared for the Tri-State area
Fox News reporter Brooke Taylor likened herself to the Grinch during a live broadcast, telling Americans that snowstorms across the country will make traveling even more difficult.
Taylor shared a clip of the Friday newscast on X, saying, ‘Today I got the job of the Christmas grinch- it’s a rough travel day for those trying to get home with thousands of flights canceled and delayed because of winter storms.’
Reporting from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Taylor said it was going to be ‘a rough one’.
‘We’re dealing with weather across the country that’s having an impact on thousands of flights,’ she said.
‘If you live in New York City, forecasters say you are about to see the most snow in years.’
Mayor Eric Adams has issued his own alert as the city faces its first winter storm warning in three years.
‘As New Yorkers continue to celebrate the holidays and prepare to celebrate the new year, they should also prepare for hazardous travel conditions Friday into Saturday,’ Adams said in a statement.
‘New York City agencies have been coordinating and are prepared for the winter weather system, and we continue to monitor conditions closely.’
Pictured: A bundled up woman walks through Times Square as the storm starts
Pictured: A plow cleans the streets in Closter, New Jersey
Pictured: A damaged truck on the westbound side of Highway I-80 on Thursday, Christmas Day
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont had much the same to say for his state, most parts of which are under winter storm warnings.
‘Shortly after sunset tonight, the snow is going to pick up quickly and come down at rates that can be dangerous while driving,’ Lamont said.
‘If you need to travel, we strongly recommend leaving early and getting to where you need to be before sunset tonight. Our fleet of state snowplows are ready to clear the roads, and they can get their jobs done more easily the fewer vehicles there are out driving.’
The Connecticut Department of Transportation has 650 snowplows on standby ready to clear the roads when called upon, Lamont added.
Freezing rain is possible overnight in parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, making highway travel possibly very hazardous come morning.
National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Kienzle said the stretch of Interstate 80 between the Pennsylvania counties of Venango, Clarion and Jefferson are expected to be the hardest hit.
‘Travel along I-80 tomorrow could be unbelievably dangerous … such that if you can avoid traveling on I-80 tomorrow, please do, just because travel up there will be so hazardous,’ Kienzle said.
‘No matter how much ice there is on the roads, any ice on the roads is really impactful and can be especially dangerous for drivers, especially with tomorrow being a pretty big holiday travel day with people heading home from Christmas travel,’ he added.
Thousands of California residents found themselves under evacuation orders on Christmas morning, as disastrous floods and debris flows closed down major highways
Cars are buried in mud after a series of storms. The aftermath is pictured on Christmas Day in Wrightwood, California
This comes as large swathes of California, from the north all the way down to San Diego County, were hit with a record-breaking storm on Christmas day.
The storm dumped rain on the region, which unleashed deadly flooding, falling trees and powerful waves all over the state.
The horrendous weather triggered mudslides and emergency evacuations as families celebrated Christmas Day under flood warnings, power outages and road closures.
Authorities confirmed the three fatalities across different regions of the state as emergency crews scrambled through the holiday to rescue residents trapped by rising water and collapsing hillsides.
Authorities reported widespread road closures, water rescues and door-to-door evacuations as torrents of mud and debris surged through burn-scarred terrain unable to absorb the rainfall.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department ordered evacuations for multiple mountain communities up to the Los Angeles County line Wednesday evening, warning residents of life-threatening mudslides and rushing water.
Similar orders were issued for the Palisades, Sunset, Hurst and Ridgewood areas, where Los Angeles police officers personally knocked on doors of homes deemed most vulnerable.
Officials told The Associated Press that about 380 homes were placed under evacuation orders.