United States Paralyzed by Blizzard, Over 5,000 Flights Canceled in a Single Day

A severe blizzard has paralyzed much of the United States, forcing the cancellation of over 5,000 flights in a single day.

On Monday, BBC reported that flight tracking service FlightAware recorded a total of 5,326 cancellations across domestic and international routes as of 8:45 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time.

Earlier, several states including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Rhode Island declared states of emergency. Heavy snowfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding have severely disrupted air travel. Airport authorities have advised passengers to check with their airlines before traveling.

The National Weather Service warned that from the Mid-Atlantic coast to Maine, heavy snow and high winds could continue. In some areas, snowfall rates could reach up to 7.6 centimeters per hour, with total accumulation ranging between 30.5 and 61 centimeters, potentially crippling road travel.

The agency added that winds could gust up to 100 kilometers per hour. The combination of heavy, wet snow and strong winds also raises the risk of power outages.

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that states of emergency were already in effect in New York and New Jersey. Blizzard warnings are in place across coastal areas including New York City, Long Island, and Boston.

Mayor Adams announced that from Sunday 9 p.m. to Monday 12 p.m., roads, highways, and bridges in the city would remain closed. Residents have been urged to stay indoors except for emergency services and essential travel. He noted that such an intense winter storm has not been seen in the city in the past decade, affecting a population of nearly 8 million.