As of December 27, 2025, more than 1,600 flights were canceled on Friday alone, with an additional 650 scrubbed for Saturday, totaling over 2,250 disruptionsa1abe8. Delays exceeded 7,800 on Friday, primarily affecting New York’s major hubs: John F. Kennedy, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia airports, which handled the bulk of cancellations6ba62d622da6. JetBlue led with around 225 cancellations, followed by Delta (212), Republic (157), American (146), and United (97)71bb79. Carriers like American, United, and JetBlue waived rebooking fees to assist stranded passengers, but many faced overnight stays or rerouting amid packed schedules. The storm’s timing exacerbated issues, as holiday demand had already pushed load factors above 85%.
Winter Storm Devin, named by the National Weather Service, emerged as a potent weather system originating from the Great Lakes region, fueled by cold Arctic air clashing with moist Atlantic flows. This storm, typical of late December patterns influenced by La Niña conditions, has historical parallels to events like the 2022 Buffalo blizzard that caused widespread power outages and fatalities. In 2025, Devin intensified during the peak post-Christmas travel period, when millions of Americans return home or embark on New Year’s getaways. The American Automobile Association estimated over 119 million travelers this holiday season, amplifying the chaos from weather disruptions. Airlines, already strained by staffing shortages and supply chain issues post-pandemic, faced compounded challenges as Devin brought heavy snow, ice, and winds to the densely populated Northeast corridor.
Ground transportation fared no better, with states declaring emergencies to mobilize resources. New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned of “treacherous road conditions,” forecasting up to a foot of snow in Long Island and the Hudson Valley, with New York City potentially seeing its heaviest accumulation since 2022 at rates of 2 inches per houreff1c1. New Jersey and Pennsylvania imposed commercial vehicle bans on interstates, urging residents to avoid travel143b887aa30e. Ice storm warnings extended across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, mixing snow with sleet and freezing rain, heightening risks of power outages and accidents. Officials emphasized safety, with Hochul stating, “The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority.” As Devin continues into Saturday, forecasters predict lingering hazards, potentially delaying recovery into the new week and costing the economy millions in lost productivity and tourism revenue.