Thousands of flights canceled in US due to severe storms

Thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed in the United States as the northeastern region braces for a severe winter storm at the height of the holiday travel season. 

According to flight tracking website FlightAware, about 1.600 flights had been canceled and another 7.400 were delayed as of Friday evening. The airports most affected were John F. Kennedy, Newark Liberty and LaGuardia, which serve the New York area. 

Flight problems were also reported in Boston, Chicago and Toronto in Canada. Of the airlines, JetBlue canceled 229 flights, Delta Air Lines 241, while Republic Airways and Southwest Airlines canceled 180 and 151 flights, respectively. American Airlines and United Airlines also canceled about 100 flights each. 

Airports have urged travelers, via social media, to check the status of their flights with airlines before traveling, Reuters reported. 

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has urged residents to avoid all nonessential travel. She stressed that if travel is necessary, residents should plan carefully, drive slowly and allow extra time to arrive at their destination safely. Similar warnings have been issued by the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut.