Ground and Air Transportation Brace for a Weekend of Cancellations and Delays

The U.S. is heading into a weekend marked by widespread transportation disruptions as airports across the Central and Northeast regions implement special operating protocols, while roadway officials warn of extremely hazardous travel conditions in multiple states.

The winter system, continuously monitored by the National Weather Service (NWS), will combine heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, and dangerously low temperatures across an area spanning more than 3,200 kilometers (2,000 miles). According to official forecasts, it ranks among the most severe winter events of the past decade, both for its geographic reach and the persistence of extreme cold—factors likely to prolong impacts on roads, airports, and basic services.

Emergency measures and public guidance

In response, federal, state, and local authorities have activated emergency response plans and reinforced essential services. The NWS and the Federal Highway Administration urged the public to avoid nonessential travel, particularly during peak storm periods, and to stock up on basic supplies for several days. At the same time, maintenance crews are working proactively on road clearing and preventive treatment, while utility teams are strengthening efforts to protect the power grid against potential prolonged outages.

Across several jurisdictions, school districts and public offices announced precautionary closures to limit circulation and reduce risk. Local governments are maintaining updated information channels so residents can follow real-time advisories, recommendations, and forecast changes.

Areas with the greatest impact and expected snowfall

According to the NWS, the heaviest snowfall will concentrate in mountain regions of the Southwest and in urban areas across the Central and Eastern U.S. In Flagstaff and areas near Telluride, forecasts indicate accumulations of up to 60 centimeters (24 inches).

Across the Southern Plains, cities such as Oklahoma City could see more than 30 centimeters (12 inches) of snow. In Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano, expected totals are lower, ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 centimeters (1 to 3 inches). As the system moves northeast, authorities anticipate higher totals.

In the Mid-Atlantic, the NWS warned that Washington, DC, Richmond, Norfolk, and parts of Philadelphia could exceed 30 centimeters (12 inches) over the weekend, noting that final amounts may vary depending on the storm’s ultimate track—particularly near the northern edge.

Outlook for the Northeast and Southeast

The Northeast remains under alert for significant accumulations. The NWS estimates that New York City, Yonkers, White Plains, and New Rochelle could receive 30 to 45 centimeters (12 to 18 inches), while inland locations such as Syracuse and Binghamton may again reach 60 centimeters (24 inches).

In the Southeast, snowfall totals are expected to be lower. Parts of Georgia and Alabama may see 2.5 to 7.5 centimeters (1 to 3 inches), though specific areas of Tennessee and North Carolina could exceed 30 centimeters (12 inches).