United States.- New York cancels thousands of flights due to the snow storm

75 million people under weather alert for storm Orlena

MADRID, 2 (EUROPA PRESS)

A gigantic winter storm will hit the northeastern United States this week causing the cancellation of thousands of flights, the closure of schools and the suspension of vaccination against COVID-19 in New York, which is facing possibly one of the largest snowfalls of its history.

New York City airports have been forced to cancel most flights this Monday due to the major snowstorm that has hit the area since last weekend. More than 75 million people are under a meteorological alert in the country, in a period with a high incidence of the coronavirus pandemic.

John F. Kennedy Airport and Newark International Airport have canceled more than 300 flights, while LaGuardia Airport has canceled all commercial flights, according to local press.

The city is preparing to face this week one of the biggest snow storms in recent years with thicknesses that could exceed 60 centimeters in the Big Apple, with wind gusts of more than 90 kilometers per hour, something unusual despite being used to receiving snowfall every year.

Airports and airlines have been forced to cancel thousands of flights. According to USA Today, more than 1,400 flights have been canceled so far due to Storm Orlena. Cities in the northeastern United States have to deal with major snow storms almost every year

Newark International Airport and John F. Kennedy Airport have each canceled more than 150 flights, and LaGuardia Airport has canceled all commercial flights. Other airports have also been affected by the storm, including Chicago O’Hare and Harrisburg International Airport.

Along with flight cancellations, public transportation in the New York area has been significantly reduced, while New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has restricted all non-essential travel from 6 a.m. Monday onwards.

TRAVEL EXEMPTIONS.

In response to the cancellations, airlines have issued travel waivers for affected passengers. The main airlines operating in the country. American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United have already issued alerts and relaxed their booking change policies.

These airlines allow travelers to make free changes to their reservations; This includes the exemption not only of the exchange fee, but also the fee difference. However, travelers will need to rebook and travel within the scheduled timeframes.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has alerted state agencies to prepare emergency response resources, as potentially dangerous major storms are forecast that could affect upstate areas.

Schools will be running virtually due to the snowstorm and the vaccination program has come to a halt.

New Jersey State Governor Phil Murphy has also declared a state of emergency due to the snowstorm.

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