NEWARK–Even before the first snowflakes hit the ground, airlines at Newark Liberty International Airport were already grounding their flights this morning.
The metropolitan region’s three major airports reported more than 1,670 flight cancellations and at least 50 delays before 6 a.m., according to according to flight-tracking website FlightAware.
Most of the cancellations were at Newark, with 614 flights kept on the ground, mostly by United Airlines, the largest carrier at the airport. Another 15 flights were delayed.
Due to anticipated severe weather in the Northeast, contact your airline for flight information prior to arriving at #EWR Airport. [44]
— Newark Liberty (@EWRairport) February 9, 2017
Kennedy International Airport was reporting 493 cancellations and 36 delayed flights.
LaGuardia Airport had 572 cancelled flights but had no delays.
Beyond the Northeast, the Federal Aviation Administration said thunderstorms off the Southeast coast could lead to congestion and some delays for flights along inland routes, while low morning clouds could affect traffic in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston and Los Angeles. Gusty winds in Denver could also slow flights this afternoon.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates all three metropolitan area airports, said it had hundreds of pieces of snow equipment at its airports, including melters that are used to liquefy up to 500 tons of snow an hour, as well as plows. Crews also were using liquid anti-icer chemicals to prevent snow and ice from bonding to runways and taxiways.
Officials said the airports also have cots and other essential items to accommodate ticketed passengers who may become stranded at the airports. The Port Authority said anyone expecting to fly today, or those picking up passengers, should first check with their airline before coming to the airport.
Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL. Facebook: @TedSherman.reporter. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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