Millions of Americans faced travel chaos on Friday as a severe winter storm swept across the United States, leading to widespread flight cancellations and delays. Dubbed the ‘Clipper System,’ this weather event has disrupted journeys for countless individuals attempting to return home after the holiday season. As of Friday afternoon, FlightAware reported over 1,802 flights were canceled and more than 22,340 experienced delays, transforming a peak travel day into a significant logistical challenge.

The National Weather Service issued hazardous weather warnings spanning from the Great Lakes region into New England, signaling the severity of the approaching storm. Major metropolitan areas bore the brunt of the disruptions, with New York City’s airports—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark—reporting nearly half of the nationwide cancellations. Reduced visibility and the need for runway clearance complicated operations at these vital hubs.

Beyond the New York metropolitan area, Detroit emerged as another major ‘choke point’ for air travel, with airlines anticipating ongoing impacts throughout the weekend. Significant snowfall was expected in areas like the Lower Hudson Valley, Long Island, and Connecticut, with accumulations potentially reaching up to 10 inches. Meanwhile, western Pennsylvania faced an ice storm warning, anticipating hazardous road conditions and potential power outages due to ice accumulation.

New York City officials implemented a travel advisory, cautioning residents about extreme cold and the likelihood of icy roads due to snowmelt freezing overnight. The National Weather Service advised against unnecessary travel, emphasizing the treacherous conditions expected to persist until Saturday morning. The cold spell also impacted energy markets, with US natural gas futures rising 3.3% amid expectations of increased demand for heating fuel. A powerful cold front is forecast to bring a frigid end to the year across D.C. and the Mid-Atlantic.