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Central New York mass transit services are preparing for significant disruptions as a historic winter storm approaches the region, threatening to impact travel across multiple states from Arizona to Maine.
Nearly 1,300 flights have already been canceled nationwide through Saturday, with thousands more expected to be affected into early next week. American Airlines has canceled 16% of its Saturday schedule, while Delta Air Lines has grounded flights in five states ahead of the storm.
Syracuse Hancock International Airport officials are advising travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as the storm is expected to create widespread travel chaos starting Friday.
"Even flights outside the Northeast may be impacted due to aircraft and crew being out of position," warned New York City Emergency Management in a statement. The department noted that delays or cancellations could begin as early as Friday.
Amtrak has announced potential schedule and route changes depending on weather conditions. "We are closely monitoring the path of the next winter storm," Amtrak Northeast stated. "Depending on the path of the storm, service adjustments may be necessary." The rail service is waiving additional charges for customers who wish to alter their reservations.
Major airlines including Delta, United, American, Southwest, and JetBlue have issued travel waivers for dozens of airports across the country. Delta's advisory covers 41 airports in 12 states for travel between Friday and Sunday, allowing passengers to rebook for free through next Wednesday.
"Proactively changing flights before cancellations hit is going to save you frustration," national travel expert Dayvee Sutton told FOX Weather.
The storm is expected to bring more than a foot of snow to parts of the Northeast, with the heaviest snowfall predicted for Sunday afternoon and evening. The New York City tri-state area could see over a foot of snow for the first time since 2021.
State departments of transportation across the affected regions are preparing for hazardous road conditions. The National Weather Service is forecasting "life-threatening cold air" across the eastern two-thirds of the country, with gusty winds potentially causing power outages.
Travelers should monitor weather updates and check with their transportation providers before heading out this weekend, as conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly across Central New York and beyond.