New York [US], December 28: Hundreds of flights were cancelled on Saturday in New York and across the north-eastern United States as a winter storm brought heavy snowfall.
According to FlightAware, which tracks air traffic, 796 flights were cancelled nationwide on Saturday. The previous day, 1,659 flights were cancelled.
JetBlue Airways cancelled 225 flights on Friday, the most among the US carriers, closely followed by Delta Air Lines, which cancelled 212 flights. Republic Airways cancelled 157 flights, while 146 were cancelled by American Airlines and 97 by United Airlines.
"Due to winter storm Devin, JetBlue has cancelled approximately 350 flights today and tomorrow, primarily in the Northeast where JetBlue has a large operation," a JetBlue spokesperson told the Reuters news agency.
The severe weather struck during the busy post-Christmas travel period, when millions of people are on the move.
The National Weather Service forecast up to 17 centimetres of snow for New York, with even heavier snowfall possible in some areas.
It said most of the snow has now fallen, with conditions expected to gradually improve throughout Saturday.
A storm warning was in effect for the region until 1 pm (1800 GMT).
City officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain at home where possible.
FlightAware said the cancellations mainly affected New York's three major airports - John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International in neighbouring New Jersey.
Airport authorities advised passengers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Dozens of additional cancellations were reported at airports in Philadelphia and Baltimore, as well as in Toronto, Canada's business hub.
On the US West Coast, powerful winter storms brought the wettest Christmas season to Southern California in 54 years.
There was still a risk of more flash flooding and mudslides on Friday despite slackening rain around Los Angeles, the National Weather Service warned.
Source:Qatar Tribune
