Winter Storm Slams Northeast, Disrupting Air Travel and Schools

Over 5,600 flights cancelled as storm brings heavy snow to major cities

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A powerful winter storm has swept through the Northeastern United States, causing major disruptions to air travel and forcing school closures in major cities like New York City and Boston. The storm has led to the cancellation of over 5,600 flights across the region as airports struggle to keep up with the heavy snowfall.

Why it matters

The winter storm is a stark reminder of the impact severe weather can have on critical transportation infrastructure and public services. The widespread flight cancellations and school closures demonstrate the need for robust emergency planning and response systems to minimize disruptions to daily life during extreme weather events.

The details

The storm, which began on February 23rd, has brought heavy snow, strong winds, and frigid temperatures to the Northeast. Major airports like New York's LaGuardia and Boston's Logan have been forced to cancel thousands of flights, stranding travelers and causing a ripple effect across the country's air travel network. In addition, public schools in New York City and Boston have been closed, with many districts opting for remote learning due to the hazardous conditions.

  • The storm began on February 23rd, 2026.
  • Over 5,600 flights were cancelled across the region as of February 24th, 2026.

The players

New York City

The largest city in the Northeastern United States, which has closed its public schools due to the winter storm.

Boston

The capital city of Massachusetts, which has also closed its public schools in response to the severe weather.

LaGuardia Airport

A major airport serving the New York City metropolitan area, which has been forced to cancel thousands of flights due to the storm.

Logan International Airport

The primary airport serving the Boston metropolitan area, which has also experienced significant flight cancellations as a result of the winter storm.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, which is why we have decided to close schools today.”

— Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City (New York Times)

“We're doing everything we can to keep the airport operational, but the weather is making it extremely challenging.”

— Massport Spokesperson (Boston Globe)

What’s next

Weather forecasters are predicting the storm to continue through the weekend, with additional snowfall and the potential for icy conditions. Airports and local governments will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions about further closures and cancellations as needed.

The takeaway

This winter storm serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust emergency preparedness and response systems to mitigate the impacts of severe weather events on critical infrastructure and public services. As climate change continues to drive more extreme weather patterns, communities must be proactive in planning for and adapting to these challenges.