A major winter storm has prompted a state of emergency and a full travel ban in New York City, with airlines cancelling thousands of flights across the Northeast. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the measures on Sunday as the powerful system approached, warning of blizzard conditions and significant snowfall.
The National Weather Service forecasts up to 20 inches of snow for New York City over 24 hours, with parts of New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts potentially receiving 25 inches. "The state of emergency closes the streets, highways, and bridges of New York City for all traffic," Mamdani stated. The ban began at 9 p.m. Sunday and is scheduled to last until 12 p.m. Monday.
Air Travel Chaos
The aviation sector is facing severe disruption. By Sunday afternoon, airlines had cancelled over 3,000 flights and delayed more than 2,900, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. New York's John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports lead in cancellations, followed by Newark, Philadelphia, Reagan National, and Boston Logan.
The disruptions are expected to continue into Monday. Aviation analytics company Cirium reported that 82% of Monday's scheduled flights at LaGuardia Airport have already been cancelled, indicating major ongoing travel headaches.
Security Checkpoint Uncertainty
Adding to traveler confusion, the Department of Homeland Security announced on Saturday it was suspending TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. However, on Sunday, these expedited lanes remained open at major airports.
The Transportation Security Administration stated it is evaluating the situation "case-by-case." A spokesperson said, "At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public. As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly."
TSA agents, classified as essential workers, are currently working without a guarantee of pay. During the full government shutdown earlier this year, TSA agents and air traffic controllers went 43 days without a paycheck.
Broader Impacts and Context
The storm's impact extends beyond air travel. Delivery service DoorDash suspended operations in New York City on Sunday night. The Monday morning commute is effectively halted for millions of residents under the travel ban.
The partial government shutdown, which began earlier this month and has delayed funding for agencies like DHS, complicates the federal response. While essential personnel continue to work, the financial strain and operational uncertainties pose significant challenges for managing the storm's aftermath.