If you’re standing in Terminal 4 at JFK right now staring at a red "Cancelled" screen, you’re definitely not alone. It’s been a rough morning for anyone trying to get out of the city. Honestly, after the absolute nightmare that was Storm Anna and Storm Goretti earlier this month, most of us thought we’d finally caught a break. Nope. Winter is back with a vengeance today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and it’s making a mess of the tri-state area's flight boards.
Basically, the New York metro area got slapped with a fresh 2 to 4 inches of snow overnight. That’s enough to trigger the de-icing crews and slow everything to a crawl. As of this afternoon, we're looking at nearly 2,000 flight disruptions across the country, and flights cancelled New York today are leading that pack. JFK is currently sitting as the worst-hit airport in the United States, with over 112 delays and counting.
Why JFK and LGA are Getting Hit the Hardest Today
It’s not just the snow, although that’s the easy scapegoat. The real issue is the compounding effect. Airlines were just starting to get their crews and planes back where they belonged after the back-to-back hits of the last ten days. When this new system moved in, it caught the networks while they were still fragile.
At JFK, the international hub status makes everything ten times worse. You’ve got long-haul flights coming in from London or Paris that are seeing 2-3 hour delays. When a massive A380 or a 787 is late, it doesn't just affect that one flight; it blocks a gate, ties up ground crew, and prevents the next departure from even pushing back. Air France has been particularly struggling today—some reports show almost half of their JFK schedule has been scrapped or significantly pushed.
LaGuardia (LGA) is seeing its own brand of chaos. Because it's a smaller airport with high frequency, a 15-minute "gate hold" quickly turns into a two-hour nightmare. The FAA is currently reporting that gusty winds and low ceilings are forcing spacing restrictions. That’s air-traffic-control-speak for "we can’t land planes as fast as we want to."
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The Real Numbers Behind the Chaos
Let’s look at the breakdown of what’s actually happening on the ground:
- JFK International: 112 delays and at least 8 outright cancellations so far.
- Newark Liberty (EWR): While not as bad as JFK, United is seeing "residual" issues. If your flight is to Chicago or DC, expect a wait.
- LaGuardia (LGA): High volume of short-haul delays, especially on Delta and American routes to the South.
- JetBlue: They’re the "home team" here, but that also means they’re the most exposed. They’ve already logged several cancellations today.
Honestly, it’s a ripple effect. A flight from Montreal to JFK was delayed by 76 minutes this morning due to ice. That one plane was supposed to turn around and head to Miami. Now, the people in Florida are wondering why their plane hasn't arrived yet. It’s a giant, frustrating puzzle.
Weather vs. Staffing: Who is Actually to Blame?
Airlines love to blame "Act of God" weather because it means they don't have to pay you cash for your trouble. But here’s the thing: while the snow is real, staffing shortages are still lurking in the background. Many ground handling teams are still understaffed from the 2025 holiday surge.
If your flight was cancelled because of a "crew shortage" or "aircraft positioning," that’s actually good news for your wallet (eventually). Under the latest DOT rules, if the airline is the cause of the delay—and not just the snow—you might be entitled to more than just a meal voucher. However, if the pilot says "we’re waiting for the de-icing truck," you're likely out of luck on the compensation front.
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What the Experts Are Saying
Tyler Roys, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, pointed out that these fast-moving winter pulses are exactly what makes January travel in the Northeast so unpredictable. You can have a clear sky at 10:00 AM and a complete ground stop by noon.
The FAA’s National Airspace System status currently shows that ground delay programs are "possible" for both EWR and LGA throughout the afternoon. If you haven't left for the airport yet, check the FAA's real-time map. If you see a big yellow or red circle over New York, stay home as long as you can.
Surprising Details About Compensation You Might Not Know
Most people think a cancellation means you just have to wait for the next flight. That's not always the case. Since we are in 2026, the passenger rights landscape has shifted slightly.
If your flight is cancelled and the airline can’t get you on a new one within a reasonable window, they are required to offer a full refund to your original form of payment—not just a "travel credit" that expires in six months. Don't let the gate agent tell you otherwise.
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Also, watch out for the "rebooking loop." If you use the airline's app to rebook, it might put you on a flight two days from now. Sometimes, the fastest way out is actually to book a different airline yourself and then fight for the refund on your original ticket later. It’s a risk, but it beats sleeping on a cot in Terminal 5.
Actionable Steps for Stranded Travelers
If you are currently dealing with flights cancelled New York today, don't just stand in the customer service line that's 200 people deep.
- Get on the Phone While You Wait: Call the airline’s international help desks (like the UK or Canada numbers). They usually have shorter wait times and can access the same booking systems.
- Use the Lounge: If you have a credit card that gets you into a lounge (like Amex Centurion or Chase Sapphire), go there. The agents in the lounge are often much more empowered to help you than the ones at the gate.
- Check Teterboro or HPN: If you’re truly desperate to get out and money isn't the primary concern, check flights out of Westchester County (HPN). It’s often less congested than the big three.
- Screenshot Everything: Take photos of the weather outside and the "Cancelled" board. If the airline tries to claim it was a "mechanical" issue later to avoid paying, you’ll want proof of what was actually happening.
The weather is expected to clear up late tonight, with temperatures hovering around 46°F tomorrow. This means Wednesday morning should see a "flush" of the system, but today is going to remain a slog. If you can move your travel to tomorrow morning, do it now before everyone else has the same idea.