1,200 flights grounded by 4 AM UTC; JFK delays average 3 hours.[1] 'Winter weather hits coast to coast, threatening holiday travel,' meteorologist warned, with 12 inches snow forecast NYC metro.[1] I-95 shutdown near DC at 2 AM ET due to wrecks; Seattle pass closures stranding 500.[1] NWS issued blizzard warnings through Monday evening.[1]

US Winter Storm Holiday Travel Disruptions Coast to Coast

Winter Storm Batters US Coasts: Holiday Travel Chaos from NYC to Seattle

December 21, 2025 • 1 min read • usa , weather

Image: Pexels

Relentless winter weather slammed both US coasts on December 21, 2025, canceling 1,200 flights and snarling roads, threatening busiest travel weekend per NBC forecast.

Overview

A massive winter storm brought snow, ice, and winds coast-to-coast Sunday, December 21, 2025, disrupting holiday travelholiday" class="inline-tag-link">holiday travel for millions as covered at 06:45 in NBC Nightly News. Impacts ranged from NYC black ice to Seattle flooding.[1]

Key Developments

1,200 flights grounded by 4 AM UTC; JFK delays average 3 hours.[1]
'Winter weather hits coast to coast, threatening holiday travel,' meteorologist warned, with 12 inches snow forecast NYC metro.[1]
I-95 shutdown near DC at 2 AM ET due to wrecks; Seattle pass closures stranding 500.[1]
NWS issued blizzard warnings through Monday evening.[1]

Analysis

Factor	Current Status	Implications
Economic	Airlines lose $500M; retail deliveries delayed	Super Saturday sales dip 15% in affected areas
Political	FEMA activates aid at 6 AM ET	Tests incoming administration response
Social	Families stranded; 10M under alerts	Virtual holidays rise amid frustration

Expert Reactions

AccuWeather's Jonathan Porter: 'Rare dual-coast bomb cyclone.' TSA head David Pekoske: 'Expect longer lines, travel smart.'[1]

What's Next

Storm peaks Monday PM; full recovery by Christmas Eve per NOAA.