As winter intensifies its grip across the United States, millions face the brunt of severe weather conditions, impacting holiday travel plans. With over 40 million Americans currently under storm warnings, the latest winter storm, dubbed Devin, has led to extensive flight disruptions, reflecting both the challenges posed by nature and the resilience of those navigating these conditions.
The United States is currently grappling with the repercussions of winter storm Devin, which has led to significant disruptions in air travel during a busy holiday period. According to airline monitoring service FlightAware, as of Friday afternoon, a staggering 1,581 flights within, into, or out of the U.S. were cancelled, while a further 6,883 experienced delays. This whirlwind of chaos has underscored the challenges posed by winter’s icy grip at a time when family reunions and festive celebrations are anticipated.
The U.S. National Weather Service has issued warnings about hazardous travel conditions due to Devin, predicting heavy snowfall across parts of the Midwest and Northeast. As the storm progresses, more than 40 million Americans are currently subject to winter storm warnings and advisories, with another 30 million under flood or storm alerts, particularly in California, where an atmospheric river system has caused torrential rains.
In New York City, the largest urban center in the nation, residents are preparing for as much as 250 mm (10 inches) of snow, marking the most significant snowfall in four years. With temperatures expected to fall significantly over the weekend, the city braces for an Arctic air blast sweeping down from Canada.
Major airports in New York—John F. Kennedy, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia—report that more than half of the cancellations and delays have originated from their runways, as travelers are advised to keep an eye on flight statuses. Among U.S. carriers, JetBlue Airways stands out with 225 flight cancellations on Friday alone, followed closely by Delta Air Lines with 212 cancellations.
On the West Coast, Southern California is experiencing its wettest Christmas season in more than half a century due to powerful winter storms. Nevertheless, the National Weather Service cautioned about potential flash floods and mudslides, even as the rain began to ease around Los Angeles. Emergency responders have been busy, with over 100 people rescued from stranded vehicles in Los Angeles County, highlighting the perils that accompany severe weather events.
As the streak of winter storms continues, both the challenges and community resilience are on full display, demonstrating the capacity of individuals to navigate the harsh realities of nature while cherishing the holiday season.
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