Airlines cancel 3,400 flights due to East Coast mega-blizzard

(Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

published 26 January 2015

The Northeastern U.S. should prepare itself for a "crippling and potentially historic blizzard" through Tuesday, the National Weather Service says. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was no less dramatic in his warnings: "I want everyone to understand that we are facing — most likely — one of the largest snowstorms in the history of this city," he said. "Don't underestimate this storm." Among those heeding the warnings: Airlines.

As of Monday morning, airlines have canceled more than 1,800 flights on Monday and another 1,600 on Tuesday, according to FlightAware.com. United, for example, has scratched all flights on Tuesday at the New York City area's three main airports plus Logan in Boston and Philadelphia International Airport. The National Weather Service is forecasting up to 3 feet of snow in New York and points north, plus winds as strong as 75 miles per hour. Watch de Blasio ask all you New Yorkers to stay safe. —Peter Weber

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.