Nine Newark arrival aircraft are being held in Cleveland Center and three are being held in each the Indianapolis and Chicago Centers. As the airspace fills up, the holding affects not only the Newark bound aircraft at the holding altitudes, but also all other aircraft in those sectors and surrounding sectors. Holding aircraft block airspace other aircraft plan to use. Chicago Center stops accepting additional Newark arrivals from Minneapolis Center. All of this occurs in clear weather conditions.
Holding affects crossing traffic.
Holding affects more than 250 aircraft within 20 minutes.