Close to 1,000 flights were canceled on July 29, 2026, at New York’s three major airports—John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport—due to severe summer storms affecting the region. The thunderstorms brought heavy rain, flash flood warnings, and hazardous travel conditions across New York City and neighboring states.
Flight Disruptions at New York Area Airports
Hundreds of departures from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark were called off as airlines responded to the storm’s impact. Officials cautioned against the potential for additional flight cancellations and delays as the weather system continued to move through the area. The disruption affected both domestic and international routes
operating through these critical air travel hubs.
Official Alerts and Weather Risks
New York State and City officials urged residents to prepare for heavy rainfall and flash flooding beginning July 28, 2026, extending through the following day. Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “New York State will be experiencing a prolonged rain event beginning Tuesday that will bring heavy rains and cause flash flooding,” and warned, “When in doubt, turn around, don’t drown.” Mayor Zohran Mamdani also urged caution, noting the risk of sudden intense rainfall triggering flash floods, especially in vulnerable neighborhoods. The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch covering New York City, Long Island,
the Hudson Valley, Connecticut, northern New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania as slow-moving thunderstorms dropped 2 to 5 inches of rain, with some isolated bursts reaching 2 to 3 inches in one hour.
Broader Storm Impact and Travel Advice
The storm generated widespread flooding that inundated streets, underpasses, and low-lying areas, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and commuters. The New York City Emergency Management Department recommended allowing extra travel time and avoiding flooded roads. The US Weather Prediction Center identified a moderate risk of excessive rainfall for New York City, Long Island, and the Mid-Hudson region, while parts of the Catskills were forecast to receive 6 to
8 inches of rain within hours. This weather event originated from a severe storm system that had previously caused tornadoes, destructive winds, hail, and power outages across the Midwest earlier in the week.
