Winter storm slams NYC triggering emergencies and flight disruptions

A powerful winter storm battered the northeastern United States on local time Thursday, with the National Weather Service issuing a winter storm warning. Parts of New York and New Jersey declared a state of emergency in response to the severe weather.

Forecasters warned that snowfall in the New York area could reach a maximum depth of 25 centimeters, with the heaviest snow expected to persist until the early hours of Friday. New York City Mayor Eric Adams noted that this would be the heaviest snowfall in the city in three years.

"The snowfall will peak Thursday night, and the combination of snow and dropping temperatures will create hazardous road conditions," Adams said. "We anticipate slippery roads Thursday afternoon and evening. Knowing many New Yorkers may be traveling for the holidays, we urge everyone to avoid non-essential travel. If you must go out, please use public transportation."

The winter storm alert covers regions from southern Connecticut to northeastern New Jersey and southeastern New York. Transportation systems have been severely disrupted: New York City's ferry service announced an early suspension on Thursday, while local buses are equipped with snow chains, and subway and bus routes have rolled out snow removal plans.

Aviation data showed significant delays and cancellations: as of 3:50 p.m. ET on Thursday, more than 5,500 domestic flights in the U.S. were delayed, and nearly 1,200 flights departing from or arriving in New York were canceled. At New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport alone, over 370 flights were scrapped and 200 delayed.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: A winter storm swept through New York City, creating hazardous road conditions for travelers returning from the Christmas holiday in New York, United States, December 27, 2025. /VCG)