Over 5,600 Flights Canceled Monday From Northeast Blizzard—600,000 Without Power

Forbes Business

by Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes Staff

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A historic blizzard brought significant disruption to the Northeast, canceling over 5,600 flights on Monday and leaving more than 600,000 people without power. This first major snowstorm to hit New York City in nine years caused widespread chaos, affecting travel, businesses, and daily life across the region. The storm’s impact highlights the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather events to infrastructure and operations. The blizzard brought heavy snowfall, strong winds, and freezing temperatures, leading to the cancellation of flights at major airports like JFK and LaGuardia in New York City. Airlines including Delta, American, and United were forced to ground hundreds of flights as visibility dropped to near-zero levels and runways became impassable. Travelers faced significant delays, cancellations, and uncertainty, with many stranded or struggling to reach their destinations. The economic toll of the storm was substantial. For businesses in the Northeast, particularly those reliant on tourism and transportation, the disruptions posed a financial challenge. Hotels, airlines, and restaurants reported reduced revenue as travelers canceled plans or were unable to move freely. Additionally, supply chains were disrupted, affecting industries that rely on timely delivery of goods. The power outages further compounded the issue, with thousands of households and businesses left without electricity for extended periods. From a business perspective, this event underscores the importance of contingency planning and resilience in operations. Companies must adapt to unpredictable weather patterns and their potential impact on infrastructure, supply chains, and customer experiences. The blizzard also serves as a reminder of the financial risks associated with extreme weather events, which are likely to increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change. For travelers and businesses alike, the Northeast blizzard highlights the need for flexibility and preparedness in the face of such disruptions. As winter storms become more severe, understanding how they affect operations and planning accordingly will be critical for minimizing losses and ensuring continuity. This event serves as a cautionary tale about

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/23/2026