Thousands of Flights Canceled as Blizzard Blankets Northeast in Snow—Here's What to Know

Condé Nast Traveler

by Sophie Prideaux

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A severe winter storm, Winter Storm Hernando, has caused widespread disruption across the Northeast United States, canceling over 5,000 flights and affecting millions of people. The storm, described as one of the most powerful in a decade, brought heavy snowfall to major cities like New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia, leading to travel bans, flight groundings, and significant delays. Many states declared states of emergency, with transportation systems and daily life coming to a standstill. Travelers are advised to expect continued disruptions as crews work to clear roads and resume services. The storm has forced major airlines to cancel flights to and from key East Coast airports, including New York’s JFK and LaGuardia, Boston Logan, and Philadelphia International. More than two-thirds of Sunday’s departures from JFK and LGA were canceled, with many other airports in the region also experiencing widespread cancellations. Airlines like Delta, United, and American Airlines have issued travel waivers, allowing passengers to rebook flights without additional charges. However, experts warn that disruptions could linger into Tuesday, February 24, as the storm continues to impact the region. In addition to flight cancellations, ground transportation has been severely affected. Travel bans were implemented in several states, including New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, closing roads, bridges, and tunnels to non-emergency vehicles. Snowfall and icy conditions have made driving treacherous, with authorities urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. International flights have also been impacted, with carriers like Emirates and Etihad canceling

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Originally published on Condé Nast Traveler on 2/23/2026