UPDATE: A powerful snowstorm has wreaked havoc at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), stranding hundreds of travelers as flight cancellations surge. As of late Friday evening, over 158 flights had been canceled and more than 204 delays reported, making JFK the hardest-hit airport in the country.
Developing reports confirm that travelers are left in a state of confusion and frustration, with many facing long waits for information and no clear updates on their flights. Forecasts predict up to a foot of snow in the tri-state area by Saturday afternoon, prompting state officials to declare a state of emergency for more than half of New York state.
One distraught traveler, Danniel Sermone, 31, expressed his dismay, stating, “I wanted to hang out. I went shopping, and went to Times Square. My next available flight is at 6 a.m. on December 28. So I have been hanging out at JFK for about eight hours and still got like 30 left.”
Families with young children are particularly affected. Mara Pimenta, traveling from São Paulo with her husband and two young kids, reported, “I have been on hold for an hour waiting. I just have a lot of luggage and two children.” Pimenta’s Latam Airlines flight was canceled unexpectedly, leaving her family with no options and no accommodations.
Compounding the anxiety, Chaithanya Sing, who is traveling to India with her 9-month-old baby, faced a similar ordeal. Her Air France flight was canceled, and when seeking assistance, she found the terminal “like a ghost counter.” The lack of customer support during this weather emergency has left many feeling helpless and frustrated.
Nearby airports are also experiencing significant disruptions. Newark Liberty International Airport reported 107 cancellations, while LaGuardia Airport saw 90 flights scrapped as the storm intensified. Forecasters warned that snow could fall at rates exceeding two inches per hour, with a winter storm warning in effect through early Saturday afternoon.
New York City officials are urging residents to stay vigilant. Mayor Eric Adams advised, “New Yorkers should all prepare — avoid driving if possible and give yourself extra travel time with public transit if you do need to travel.” He encouraged everyone to sign up for Notify NYC to receive real-time updates on the evolving situation.
The chaos at JFK and other airports underscores the severe impact of this winter storm, which has turned holiday travel into an overnight ordeal for many. Travelers are advised to monitor flight status and prepare for further disruptions as the storm continues to develop.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this situation unfolds.
