A travel ban has been imposed in New York as the result of the latest weather system; so consider ensuring that you have alternate travel plans ready to be implemented because of a winter storm with potential record snow to affect the northeastern United States in February of 2026.
Travel Ban Imposed in New York Due to Blizzard: February 2026 Travel Alert
The following statement is currently posted at the official Internet web site of the National Weather Service of the United States:
Major Winter Storm to Impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast; Inclement Weather in the Pacific Northwest
A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast that may cause impossible travel conditions and power outages. Blizzard conditions are possible along coastal areas from the DelMarVa Peninsula through southeastern New England. Wet weather and strong winds return to the Pacific Northwest and north-central California.
The map of the United States from the National Weather Service currently indicates:
- A blizzard warning from Virginia in the DelMarVa Peninsular to southern Maine
- A winter storm warning from northwestern North Carolina to southern Maine
- A winter weather advisory from western North Carolina, eastern Virginia, and northern Ohio to eastern Maine
- A gale warning along most of the east coast of the United States
The aforementioned loop shows that snowfall will be likely to occur through Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from eastern North Dakota all the way to Maine and as far south as southeastern Tennessee.
A ban on travel was issued by Zohran Kwame Mamdani, who is the current mayor of the city of New York.
The city of New York could wind up with 24 inches of snow on the ground. As much as 36 inches of snow could possibly accumulate in local areas in the northeastern United States — as well as winds of up to 70 miles per hour along the coast from North Carolina to Nova Scotia.
Speaking of snow, significant lake effect snow is expected in the usual areas in western Michigan, northeastern Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania, and western New York, which includes Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse.
At least 8,750 flights have already been canceled through Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at the time this article was written. Expect the cancellation and delay of hundreds more flights to occur over the next couple of days as the new week begins.
Expect the shelves of stores to be empty and electric power to be out in numerous affected areas of the northeastern United States, as states of emergency have already been officially declared.
Flight Waivers, Delays and Cancellations
If you are traveling to, from, or within the northeastern United States over the next few days, expect delays and cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to these winter weather systems which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary.
Here are 13 airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of this weather system:
- American Airlines has issued travel alerts for 16 airports in eight states for Sunday, February 22, 2026 through Wednesday, February 25, 2026; and Saturday, February 28, 2026 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Delta Air Lines has issued travel alerts for 25 airports in twelve states for Sunday, February 22, 2026 through Wednesday, February 25, 2026; and Saturday, February 28, 2026 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- United Airlines has issued travel alerts for 18 airports in ten states for Sunday, February 22, 2026 through Wednesday, February 25, 2026; and Friday, February 27, 2026 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Alaska Airlines has issued travel alerts for seven airports in six states for Sunday, February 22, 2026 through Monday, February 23, 2026; and Friday, February 27, 2026 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Southwest Airlines has issued travel alerts for 13 airports in nine states for Sunday, February 22, 2026 through Tuesday, February 24, 2026; and Tuesday, March 10, 2026 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- JetBlue Airways has issued travel alerts for 15 airports in nine states for Sunday, February 22, 2026 through Monday, February 23, 2026; and Friday, February 27, 2026 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Frontier Airlines has issued travel alerts for 14 airports in seven states for Sunday, February 22, 2026 through Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
- Spirit Airlines has issued travel alerts for eight airports in six states for Sunday, February 22, 2026 through Wednesday, February 25, 2026; and Wednesday, March 4, 2026 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Allegiant Air has issued travel alerts for 18 airports in eight states for Saturday, February 21, 2026 through Monday, February 23, 2026.
- Breeze Airlines has issued travel alerts for eight airports in five states for Sunday, February 22, 2026 through Monday, February 23, 2026; and Friday, February 27, 2026 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Air Canada has issued travel alerts for 15 airports in five states and four provinces for Sunday, February 22, 2026 through Monday, February 23, 2026.
- WestJet Airlines has issued travel alerts for:
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has issued travel alerts for 25 airports in twelve states for Sunday, February 22, 2026 through Wednesday, February 25, 2026; and Saturday, February 28, 2026 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
Final Boarding Call
Do not be surprised to see additional airlines issue travel waivers — as well as existing travel waivers being extended — as this winter weather system progresses in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
As a person who used to live in New York, I have experienced some major snowstorms and blizzards — but I do not recall an official ban on travel being issued in the city. I would marvel at how clean and quiet the city appeared during one of these major winter storms — until the streets were plowed and the filthy slush started spreading everywhere.
The blizzards have contributed to an unusually chaotic day in terms of travel today, Sunday, February 22, 2026 which experienced confusion pertaining to the suspension of trusted traveler programs and chaos in tourist areas of Mexico.
Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.
