The cancellations and delays impacted major airlines and airports across the country, disrupting travel plans for potentially hundreds of thousands of passengers. Airlines cited concerns over safety due to heavy snow, strong winds, and the potential for ice accumulation on aircraft and runways. De-icing procedures, which involve spraying aircraft with specialized fluids to remove ice and prevent further accumulation, were expected to be heavily utilized, potentially causing further delays.

The storm, impacting roughly 140 million people from New Mexico to New England, prompted winter storm warnings across a wide swath of the country. Forecasters warned of potentially crippling ice accumulations, particularly in a band stretching from east Texas to North Carolina. Ice storms can cause significant damage to infrastructure, including power lines and trees, and can make travel extremely hazardous.

The storm represents the first major weather-related challenge for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. City officials were coordinating with emergency services to prepare for potential power outages and transportation disruptions. The city's Department of Sanitation was pre-treating roadways with salt and brine to prevent ice formation.

The airline industry is particularly vulnerable to winter storms. The ripple effect of cancellations can extend for days, as airlines work to re-accommodate passengers and reposition aircraft. The financial impact of mass cancellations can be significant, affecting airline revenues and potentially impacting the broader tourism industry. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight status updates and to be prepared for potential delays and cancellations.