Northeast Blizzard Could Strand Passengers at Washington Airports

As flights to the Northeast are canceled due to the impending blizzard — USA Today reports Friday morning that 3,000 flights have been canceled so far. The newspaper reports that airports expected to see cancellations include: 

• New York JFK
• Newark Liberty
• New York LaGuardia
• Boston
• Hartford
• Providence
• Manchester (N.H.)
• Long Island MacArthur
• Westchester County (N.Y.)

The major winter storm (named "Winter Storm Nemo" by the The Weather Channel) with blizzard conditions, is forecast to impact the Northeast Friday night into early Saturday, as a developing nor'easter moves up the Atlantic coast, according to the National Weather Service.

(More here on why The Weather Channel named the storm.)

Total snowfall accumulations of 1-2 feet are possible, with locally higher amounts. In addition, gusty winds will create blizzard conditions, especially along the coast, making travel extremely hazardous, if not impossible. 

Could that leave some passengers stranded at Washington, DC-area airports?

At Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, any stranded passengers will likely be offered pillows and blankets for "major flight cancelations," said Kimberly Gibbs, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Passengers should plan in advance for flight cancelations/delays to the Northeast by checking with their airline for their rebooking policies," she noted. "Often airlines will make adjustments to these policies for cities affected by inclement weather." 

Passengers, family or friends can contact airlines by calling these phone numbers or checking their Web sites. FlightAware also offers information on flight cancellations.