Winter Storm Hits Air Travel In US, Over 5,600 Flights Cancelled; Schools Shut In NYC, Boston

Last Updated:February 24, 2026, 09:13 IST

A major winter storm hit the US Northeast, cancelling 5,600+ flights, closing schools in NYC and Boston.

A massive winter storm swept across the northeastern United States on Monday, disrupting air travel and forcing school closures. As blizzard conditions intensified, several cities were covered in heavy snow, forcing millions to remain indoors. Typically bustling streets fell silent amid the storm.

According to flight-tracking service FlightAware, more than 5,600 flights faced cancellations in the US on Monday, with an additional 2,000 flights scheduled for Tuesday being grounded. Nearly 2,500 flights were delayed, news agency AP reported.

Airports in New York, New Jersey and Boston accounted for the bulk of cancellations. Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport temporarily halted operations after receiving nearly 38 inches of snow, breaking a decades-old record.

Schools Shut In New York City

In New York City, public schools were closed for the city’s first traditional snow day in six years, while districts across Long Island and surrounding suburbs also cancelled classes.

In the wake of extreme weather, Boston also suspended school classes, while Philadelphia shifted to online learning. Some suburban districts announced a second consecutive snow day on Tuesday as plows struggled to clear residential streets.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in-person classes would resume on Tuesday, a decision that drew criticism from local officials in Staten Island who argued that roads and sidewalks remained unsafe. The United Federation of Teachers urged educators to prioritize their safety when deciding whether to report to work.

As the storm intensified, officials across several states declared emergencies, warning residents to stay off the roads.

Mamdani Shares Weather Update For Tuesday

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani shared an evening weather update for Tuesday, warning residents of potential non-accumulating flurries overnight as temperatures are expected to drop to 22–23 degrees Celsius. He said wind gusts could reach up to 25 mph and advised New Yorkers to exercise caution while traveling, even though roads remain open. The mayor also urged residents to stay informed by signing up for real-time alerts by texting “NotifyNYC" to 692-692.

“Here’s your evening update: Snowfall: Potential for non-accumulating flurries overnight. Forecast: Temps expected to drop to 22-23 degrees. Wind: Max gusts around 25mph. Roads: Open but please proceed with caution. Get the most up-to-date information by texting “NotifyNYC" to 692-692," the Mayor tweeted.

With classrooms empty and airport terminals quiet, the powerful nor’easter left much of the region at a standstill.

News world Winter Storm Hits Air Travel In US, Over 5,600 Flights Cancelled; Schools Shut In NYC, Boston

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