US: Major transportation disruptions in Midwest and Northeast amid winter storm /update 1

Event

As of January 19, more than 3000 flights have been canceled between Saturday, January 19, and Monday, January 21, due to the passing of a major winter storm across the Midwest and Northeast. Amtrak train services were also suspended between Chicago and New York City and Chicago and Washington on Saturday, and between Pennsylvania and Boston on Sunday, January 20. As of 13:00 (local time) on January 19, approximately 1800 flights had been canceled for Saturday and an additional 1660 were delayed nationwide due to the storm. Nearly 1000 flights scheduled for Sunday have already been canceled along with 50 scheduled on Monday. Major transportation hubs including Chicago (O'Hare [ORD] and Midway [MDW]), New York City (John F. Kennedy [JFK], Newark Liberty [EWR], LaGuardia [LGA]), and Boston (Boston Logan [BOS]) are the most affected, though other cities, such as Indianapolis, Cleveland, Columbus, and Pittsburgh, are also expected to experience flight disruptions. Further flight cancelations and delays are expected in the coming hours and days. Driving conditions are also expected to be dangerous due to the high rate of snowfall and strong winds. Icy conditions and limited visibility are likely.

The US National Weather Service (NWS) has a winter storm warning in effect, which is expected remain in force until Sunday or Monday, for large sections of the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, from Illinois to Maine and as far south as Kentucky and western Maryland. Snowfall from 5-15 cm (2-6 in) is expected in areas from Chicago to New York and up to 50 cm (20 in) in areas of central Pennsylvania to New England. Strong winds up to 72.5 km/h (45 mph) are also expected.

Advice

Individuals in and traveling through the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid unnecessary driving, anticipate power and transportation disruptions, including flight delays and cancelations and dangerous driving conditions.