Winter Storm Quinn is currently headed toward the Northeast, with the storm expected to heavily affect the area on Wednesday and Thursday. As several states have declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the storm, many people are probably wondering how their travel plans will be affected — and whether or not Winter Storm Quinn will affect flights. So far, several airlines have cancelled flights and are also taking precautions to allow people flexibility if they have travel planned during the storm.

According to USA Today, over 1,700 flights are already cancelled through Thursday. The paper noted that Flightaware counted that, thus far, 1,600 flights were preemptively called off for Wednesday, as were 180 for Thursday. Many airlines that operate out of east coast cities have also announced that they are waiving ticket change and cancellation fees for people flying to or from areas that will be affected by the storm.

As reported by Money, Winter Storm Quinn is expected to produce up to a foot of snow in major east coast cities, including New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Quinn constitutes the second severe winter storm to hit the area in a week, as Winter Storm Riley wreaked havoc on the region (and caused the cancellation of around 4,000 flights last week).

If you are traveling through the Northeast in the next few days and wish to see if your flight is eligible for a fee waiver for changes or cancellations, Money complied a very helpful list of individual policies by airline that you can view here. Generally, it seems like most airlines are offering free flight changes, and some are offering free cancellations/partial refunds, if you are flying to or from certain Northeast cities on days when the storm is expected to most heavily affect flight traffic.

In addition to affecting air travel, Winter Storm Quinn is also expected to profoundly affect public transport and roadways in several major cities. New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) chairman Joe Lhota told the Brownsville Patch that the storm will probably have a "significant impact" on the subway system in the city and could also cause delays to bus services as well. "The MTA is taking this storm very, very seriously," Lhota said. "We're ramping up all of our operations and we will be prepared."

In Boston, transportation officials have already announced the closure of several shuttle bus routes. They also expressed concern about people driving during the storm and encouraged motorists to stay off the roads. Indeed, Massachusetts' Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver noted on the state transportation department's website, “This storm will bring heavy snowfall to areas across the state throughout Wednesday and into Thursday, which could create hazardous travel conditions ... We advise members of the public to stay off the roads if possible, consider working from home or postponing travel plans and taking public transit if they must travel during this storm ..."

According to the New York Times, Amtrak has also already cancelled some train services in the Northeast region, including some Keystone Service, Empire Service, Acela Express, and Northeast Regional trains.

Overall, it appears that many transport providers, including airlines, are taking precautions to help counteract the presumed delays that will be caused by the storm. That being said, of course, the storm's effects could still be unpredictable and it could cause further unanticipated issues. If you are flying (or taking public transport) in the Northeast in the next few days, it is likely best to regularly check the status of your flight or other mode of transport, as plans could readily change as the storm unfolds. </s> A massive winter storm containing rain, sleet, and snow is sweeping the southeastern United States, leaving more than 300,000 without power and 1,500 flights canceled.

Governors in several states—including Virginia, North Carolina, and Oklahoma—declared a state of emergency before winter storm Diego hit to allow use of state funding and resources to combat the increasing threat of icy roads, heavy snowfalls, and power outages.

The National Weather Service (NWS) tweeted Sunday morning that heavy snow would fall across southern Virginia and the western and central parts of North Carolina and freezing rain would “develop” over South Carolina:

The storm, which is expected to last until Monday, has wreaked havoc upon commuters traveling on the road and in the air, with many people reporting hazardous driving conditions and canceled flights:

Forecasters predict that North Carolina could receive up to 12 inches of snow in the more mountainous areas of the state, and coastal areas of the southeast could see flooding.

The city of Lubbock, Texas, received more than ten inches of snowfall, one of the highest recorded totals on record for the area.

State officials have warned residents to stay off the roads and put together emergency kits to weather the storm,

“Virginians should take all necessary precautions to ensure they are prepared for winter weather storm impacts,” said Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam.

“This weekend isn’t the time to head out to see the winter wonderland. Stay safe where you are. Getting out on dangerous roads could put your life at risk,” North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said, urging residents to be vigilant about the changing weather conditions.

Airlines and power companies are also on alert as the storm develops throughout the country. Power companies are forecasting massive storm-related power outages, and airlines have preemptively canceled flights.

The largest electric company in North Carolina, Duke Energy, predicted the state would have more than 500,000 power outages, and American Airlines announced that it canceled nearly 1,000 flights scheduled for Sunday ahead of the storm. </s> (CNN) — A winter storm tearing through the Southeast threatens to keep residents stuck at home with days of dangerous driving conditions, canceled flights and power outages.

Sunday will bring more than 12 inches of snow to the southern and central Appalachians, the National Weather Service said. Snowfall could total 12 to 20 inches over the Appalachians and into the Carolinas by Monday — when the storm is expected to move off the coast, the agency said.

“Snowfall amounts in some locations will likely exceed a foot and result in several days of difficult or impossible travel, extended power outages, and downed trees,” the agency said.

The storm has knocked out power for 216,578 customers in the southeastern United States. The bulk of the outages are in North Carolina, where 102,383 customers don’t have power while in South Carolina it’s 52,191. About 62,000 don’t have power in both Alabama and Georgia.

More than 1,000 Sunday flights into and out of North Carolina’s Charlotte Douglas International Airport have been canceled, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.

The airport is the second-largest hub of American Airlines, which has “reduced its operations” because of the weather, the airport said.

American Airlines and its regional partners canceled 225 flights Saturday, 1,100 for Sunday and 300 for Monday, the airline said in a statement.

The Charlotte airport said it expects scattered cancellations through Monday morning, with the majority expected to be of small, regional planes.

About 13 million people remain under winter weather alerts in Arkansas, Tennessee and the Carolinas. The governors of Virginia and North Carolina have declared states of emergency.

The National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg measured 2.5 inches of snow as of 4:30 a.m. Sunday. A half an hour later, the Greenville County Emergency Management’s Twitter page said that 14,189 customers were without power.

Meanwhile, in North Carolina, authorities declared a statewide emergency Friday ahead of the storm.

“Snow may be beautiful but it can also be treacherous and I urge North Carolinians to take this storm seriously and get ready for it now,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement.

Many churches in the Charlotte area have preemptively canceled Sunday services, CNN affiliate WSOC reported, and the city of Charlotte is prepping emergency shelters. Grocery store shelves have been cleared of bread, milk and other staples.

“This storm comes at a time of year when North Carolinians are usually hearing carols about snow, not actually seeing it. But this time, the real thing is headed our way and North Carolina is getting prepared,” Cooper, the North Carolina governor, said, according to WSOC in Charlotte. “A winter storm’s not a Christmas carol snow. It’s serious, and you need to take steps now to get your family ready.”

Before moving east, the moisture-heavy storm walloped Texas, causing downpours and flash flooding along the southern edge of the state and snow and ice in the north. As the moisture moves eastward, it is colliding with a high-pressure system over the Ohio Valley that is funneling cold air into the region.

“It’s kind of a big deal,” CNN meteorologist Allison Chinchar said. “It’s December. This is not the time of year that they would typically get this stuff.”

Houston experienced flooding after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell on Friday night, with some drivers forced to abandon their cars on major highways, reported CNN affiliate KTRK.

After the heavy rain in Lubbock, Texas, many community activities were disrupted. The city holiday parade was postponed and Texas Tech rescheduled all Saturday final exams until Sunday, CNN affiliate KCBD reported.

Lubbock also saw 10 inches of snow — 2 inches more than the city usually gets in a whole year.

“They crushed their yearly average in 24 hours,” CNN meteorologist Ivan Cabrera said.

The Lubbock Police Department tweeted late Saturday that black ice and freezing fog were beginning to form on areas of Interstate 27. Police said they were “working about 20 wrecks due to these dangerous conditions.” </s> 01:31 The Winter of 2018-19 One to Remember Meteorologist Ari Sarsalari looks back at some of the worst of the winter weather.

At a Glance A NYC doorman died while shoveling snow.

Snow emergencies were declared in Boston and Philadelphia.

Nearly 4,000 flights were canceled because of the storm. A New York City doorman died while shoveling snow as Winter Storm Niko brought blizzard conditions and rapid snow accumulation to the region.

Thursday, 59-year-old Miguel Gonzalez died while shoveling snow on the Upper East Side of New York , CBS New York reports. Authorities say the doorman slipped and crashed through a plate glass window around 9:30 a.m. He was taken to Metropolitan Hospital with injuries to the neck and face and was later pronounced dead.

Snow emergencies were declared in two major Northeast metro areas, Philadelphia and Boston, as the rapidly strengthening storm blanketed the Northeast with up to 2 feet of snow in places. Thundersnow was also reported at several locations around the region.

(LOCAL IMPACTS: Boston | New York | Philadelphia )

Governors in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, as well as New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio urged people to stay off the roads Thursday, the Associated Press reports, to keep them clear for plows and emergency vehicles. Despite the warnings, the rapid accumulation of snow caught many drivers out in the open.

"It's pretty nuts here," Felecia White told the Associated Press as she and friends hunkered down in a restaurant in Newport, Rhode Island, waiting for the weather to improve. "Even with four-wheel drive, you can't do anything. You can't see across the street."

Connecticut State Police responded to more than 600 calls during the storm, including 68 accidents with four injuries and several jackknifed semi trucks that closed stretches of Interstate 95. New Jersey State Police reduced speed limits to 35 mph along the 122-mile length of the New Jersey Turnpike but still fielded more 600 calls for assistance.

In New York, dozens of motorists were stranded on Long Island after they couldn't make it up icy ramps, and scores of others were around the NYC Metro area, the Associated Press reports. New York Gov. Mario Cuomo himself stopped to give aid to a driver stuck in a snowbank in Westchester County, helping to attach tow cables from his security detail's SUV onto the man's car.

Nearly 4,000 flights were canceled nationwide because of the storm as of Thursday, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware.com. The cancellations include at least 380 flights going in and out of LaGuardia and 376 flights at Newark. Boston Logan International saw 351 cancellations.

Numerous cities closed schools on Thursday ahead of the storm, and schools in Boston, Hartford, Connecticut and Waterbury Connecticut announced they would remain closed on Friday as well.

Here are some of the top snow totals from the storm: Connecticut: 19.0 inches in East Hartford; 18.0 inches in Suffield; 18.0 inches in Bloomfield; 17.5 in Winsted; 16.8 inches in Somers; 14.3 inches in West Hartford; 10.3 inches in Bridgeport

Maine: 24.0 inches near Cooper; 20.0 inches in Perry; 16.8 inches near Berwick; 15 inches near Winter Harbor; 11.0 inches in Wells; 8.0 inches in South Portland

Massachusetts: 19.0 inches in East Longmeadow; 18.0 inches in Ludlow; 17 inches in Westfield; 16.0 inches in Springfield; 12.9 inches in Worcester; 10.7 inches in Boston/Logan Airport;

New Hampshire: 17.0 inches in Nottingham; 16.5 inches in Merrimack; 15.0 inches in Litchfield; 8.0 inches in Concord

New Jersey: 11.3 inches in West Milford; 11.1 inches in Highland Lakes; 10.3 inches in Wantage; 10.2 inches near Montague; 7.8 inches in Newark

New York: 16.3 inches in Gilderland; 14.4 inches in Farmington; 13.7 inches at Islip Airport; 13.5 inches in Eastport; 12.8 inches near Albany; 10.6 inches at Islip; 10 inches at La Guardia Airport; 9.4 inches in Central Park; 8.3 inches at JFK Airport (NYC)

Pennsylvania: 11.0 inches in Flinton and near Champion; 10.8 inches in Clarks Summit; 7.1 inches in Allentown

Rhode Island: 14.5 inches in North Foster; East Providence: 11.9 inches; 10.9 inches in Providence

Vermont: 9.0 inches in Woodford; 8.2 inches in Manchester; 8.0 inches in Putney </s> A winter storm inched its way toward New England Saturday after leaving slick roads and runways in the Midwest.

The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for the weekend from the Dakotas across the Great Lakes states and into New England. It warned that conditions in the Northeast "could approach blizzard criteria."

Ice was also a possibility in some areas in the path of the storm, which was forecast to dump up to 2 feet of snow.

In Nebraska, where freezing drizzle was falling Friday afternoon, authorities closed Omaha's Eppley Airfield after a Southwest Airlines plane slid off an ice-slicked runway. In Iowa, the Department of Transportation warned that visibility was less than a half mile in many locations due to snow and wind.

And in South Dakota, where snow was starting to pile up, authorities warned drivers to give plows extra room.

The storm was expected to bring between up to 10 inches of snow to the Midwest before walloping the Northeast on Sunday. The National Weather Service in Albany, New York, said snow could fall at a rate of 1 to 3 inches an hour, creating "difficult to impossible travel conditions" in areas.

In New York City, the worst of the storm is expected from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, with snow accumulations of 3-6 inches followed by rain that could turn to ice as temperatures drop later Sunday. Single-digit temperatures could last into Monday.

On Friday, New Jersey and Pennsylvania declared states of emergency.

"This storm has the potential to deliver every, every winter weather option that mother nature has," Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolfe said at a news conference.

In New Jersey, the state of emergency will go into effect at noon. "Our top priority is the safety of New Jerseyans, and we urge residents to stay off the roads and prepare for potential power outages," said Gov. Phil Murphy.

Officials warned of flight disruptions at airports, as well as possible changes in train schedules. The Chicago Department of Aviation reported more than 300 flights at O'Hare and Midway international airports had been canceled as of Friday evening. Amtrak canceled some trains Saturday from Chicago to Washington and New York and between New York and Boston and Pennsylvania on Sunday.

Chicago is forecast to receive as much as 8 inches by Saturday and wind gusts in the Chicago area are expected to reach 35 mph. </s> The storm is already affecting travel with nearly 450 flights canceled as of Friday morning, according to FlightAware.com. Airlines are issuing waivers for travelers traveling in the Midwest and Northeast.

The second of a series of storms moving across the country will bring significant snow and ice to the North and heavy rains and severe weather to the South into the weekend.

Roughly 115 million people are under some form of a winter storm watch, warning or advisory across the United States.

Travel through Sunday has already been affected, with nearly 2,000 flights involving domestic airports having been canceled, according to the flight-tracking site FlightAware.com. Airlines are issuing waivers for travelers in the Midwest and Northeast.

Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska, closed for several hours after a Southwest Airlines flight went off a runway while taxiing. The airliner slid onto a runway overrun area, Southwest Airlines said.

None of the 150 passengers and six crew members was injured, the airline said.

The storm system is associated with the same upper-level energy as one on the West Coast that dumped rain in Los Angeles and elsewhere as well as caused blizzard conditions in the Sierra Nevada.

Snow is likely in Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago

The second storm will exit the Rockies and likely will begin to drop snow late Friday across Kansas.

In Missouri, Kansas City and St. Louis — which received the brunt of a storm last week– will get less accumulation this time. However, winds could gust up to 35 mph, causing blowing and drifting snow through Saturday night.

Lake effect snow will enhance the amounts that Milwaukee and Chicago could face through the weekend. Both cities may get more than half a foot of snow if the conditions remain right.

Indiana and Ohio could see rain to the south, snow to the north and ice and snow across the states’ centers.

Icing is possible along I-95 corridor in New England

This second storm will be more significant for the Northeast than the first.

As the low tracks farther east, warm air is likely to mix in from the South. At this time, it’s uncertain exactly where the line between rain and snow will form.

Forecasters expect a substantial amount of precipitation Saturday evening through Sunday up and down the East Coast. It’s unclear on the timing or what type of precipitation is likely in the Northeast.

The latest model forecast indicates snow starting Saturday evening in Boston and New York, which will then turn into a wintry mix and freezing rain overnight into Sunday.

The National Weather Service in New York is forecasting 3 to 6 inches of sleet and snow plus possible ice. New York may warm up enough for rain Sunday morning, but freezing is expected by the evening when temperatures plummet.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said a ban on tractor-trailers and buses on most highways in the state will begin Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.

Boston could get more than 6 inches of snow, with much more to the north and ice to the south.

Those close to the coast could see rain, but a few miles inland it will be a freezing rain mix and then a snow mix a bit farther inland. The snow will start piling up quickly after that.

Winter storm watches are already posted for upstate and inland New England. Heavy snow and sleet will pile up at least 6 to 12 inches deep, with some icing for added misery.

The Interstate 95 corridor through New England seems to be where the bulk of the ice will form, with up to an inch of freezing rain possible in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency beginning Saturday at noon. He told residents to stay off the roads and prepare for possible power outages.

A flash freeze is likely behind the storm

Behind this second storm, a deep chill will grip much of the eastern half of the United States.

It may warm up enough for rain across the Midwest and Northeast on Sunday but will quickly dip below freezing. It’s expected to happen so fast it would instantly freeze any moisture on the ground or surrounding objects.

Highs on Sunday in the Kansas City area — where the Chiefs will be host to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game — will be in the 20s.

The extreme cold follows the storm and moves into the rest of the Eastern United States on Monday.

“For the most part, this winter the jet stream has traveled horizontally across the US. Sure, there have been some ups and downs, but nothing like what is to come,” CNN’s Myers said.

“By next week the jet stream will flow from Fairbanks (Alaska) to Texas. So, for example, the following Saturday Anchorage will be 32 and Chicago will be 13.”

This arctic air will spill out across the country later next week as far south as Florida, leaving most of the continental United States with below-average temperatures.

This content was republished with permission from CNN. </s> (CNN) — A strong wintry storm still was dumping snow Friday in far northern New England after creating traffic havoc that claimed at least eight lives across the country's eastern half and knocked out power for tens of thousands of people.

A mix of rain, snow and ice that initially hit the Midwest caused headaches from the South to the Northeast, leaving up to a foot of snow in some parts of the latter and widespread freezing rain and ice accumulations elsewhere. Conditions prompted school closures, hours-long delays for commuters and hundreds of flight cancellations.

Pedestrians push through a wintry mix of snow and ice Thursday in New York.

About 200,000 customers in four states were without power at 6 p.m. ET Friday, according to Poweroutage.us, in part due to freezing rain.

The snow in the Northeast was expected to end Saturday morning, though gusty winds and coastal flooding will continue, the National Weather Service said . Another cold front will drop additional snowfall from the Great Lakes to the New England interior through Sunday. </s> A winter storm unleashed snow and freezing rain on large swath of the southern United States on Saturday and threatened to bring treacherous conditions to the East Coast.

Approximately 25 million people in 13 states could be impacted by the snow and rain. Across the United States, nearly 800 flights were canceled and nearly 10,000 were delayed, according to flight tracking website Flight Aware.

A state of emergency was declared in North Carolina and Virginia as the winter storm, which was over parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee as of Saturday afternoon, continued to head east.

During a press conference, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper warned that the state anticipated the storm could cause up to half a million power outages.

"Tonight and tomorrow, it’s time to hunker down and stay safe ... this weekend is not the time to see a winter wonderland," Cooper said.

Along the southern side of the storm, flooding was a concern in warmer states, from southeastern Texas to parts of Georgia.

Approximately 14 million people were under winter weather advisories across the southern and eastern United states. Winter storm warnings were in effect along the northern side of the storm, including in parts of western North Carolina, southwestern Virginia, upstate South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, southern West Virginia, and northeastern Georgia, according to the National Weather Service.

The heaviest snowfall, which is expected to begin Saturday and continue until Monday, will affect northwest North Carolina and southern Virginia, according to the NWS

Prior to moving east, the storm had already dropped several inches of snow in southern states. In Lubbock, Texas, approximately 9.5 inches of snow had fallen as of 9 a.m. CST (10 a.m. ET) on Saturday, according to the NWS.

The Texas Department of Transportation warned travelers to drive with caution, and advised people to stay home if possible.

In other parts of Texas, flood watches were canceled following heavy rainfall from the storm. </s> SEATTLE — A winter storm pounded Washington state, forcing the cancellation of flights in Seattle as officials worked to get people off the streets and into shelters during the nation's latest bout with winter weather.

Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency for the state of Washington, saying everyone in the state should focus on staying safe, as a winter storm warning went into effect from Friday until Saturday at 4 p.m. PST.

"Forecasters predict this may be a storm unlike one we've seen in many years," he said.

Snow began falling north of Seattle with some areas recording 8 inches of snow before it made its way south and enveloped the city.

Many businesses closed early so workers could get home.

More than 50,000 customers were without power on Saturday, according to Washington state utility company Puget Sound Energy.

As of 9 a.m. PST on Saturday, more than 180 flight had been cancelled at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, according to flight tracking site FlightAware.

In California, more than 120 visitors and staff members were rescued after being snowbound in a Sierra Nevada resort for five days.

Up to 7 feet of snow had trapped the guests and staff beginning Sunday at Montecito Sequoia Lodge in Kings Canyon National Park, U.S. Forest Service spokesman Alicia Embrey said.

Crews had to travel by snowmobile to get to the lodge in mountains east of Fresno. Heavy equipment and crews then cleared more than 20 fallen trees and 8 miles of deep snow on the road leading to the lodge to allow guests and staff to leave the property Thursday night.

Another winter storm was on the way to the region.

In Yosemite National Park, as many as 50 housing structures near Half Dome Village were damaged by trees toppled during a snowstorm earlier this week, displacing more than 160 employees who provide food, lodging and other services for visitors.

Elsewhere, more than 148,000 customers were without electricity in Michigan following days of freezing rain. The Consumers Energy utility said power would be restored by late Sunday.

In Seattle, officials urged people to stay off the roads as traffic slowed to a standstill in some places because of the snow.

"Doesn't matter where you're going, expect it to take a very. long. time," the Washington Department of Transportation said on Twitter.

Schools and colleges had canceled classes ahead of the storm expected to bring 6 to 8 inches of snow. Scores of flights were cancelled or delayed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Snowfall from Sunday and Monday lingered into the week as below-freezing temperatures gripped the area. A 59-year-old man died Thursday from exposure at a Seattle light rail station.

Additional shelter space opened by city and county officials was filling up. The city was focused on people who are willing to come inside, Will Lemke, spokesman for the Seattle Human Services Department, told the Seattle Times.

"This is an extreme weather event, and offering shelter is the most important thing we can do right now," he said.

Forecasters said Portland, Oregon, could get up to 4 inches of snow later in the day, with two more snowstorms expected to hit the city next week.

Residents in Portland and Seattle, two cities where rain is more common than snow in the winter, emptied grocery store shelves and waited in long lines to buy shovels and de-icer.

Autumn Sang was at a mobbed grocery store in Tualatin, Oregon, on Friday stocking up for the coming storm for herself and her neighbor, who is disabled and doesn't have a car.

Sang said she had never seen the store so crowded. She grew up in southern Oregon, where snow is more common, and wasn't fazed by the forecast.

"I love it. I'm excited about it," she said of the snow. "I think that Portlanders, most of them are city people and they come from a lot of different places, so they're not so used to it. It's like, 'Use your brain! If you don't have to go out, don't go out.'"
A major blizzard hits the northeastern United States, cancelling more than 2,400 flights.