(AP photo)
Air India on Saturday announced the cancellation of all its flights to and from New York and Newark on January 25 and 26, citing forecasts of a severe winter storm with heavy snowfall.In a travel advisory, the airline said a major winter storm is expected to affect New York, New Jersey and adjoining areas along the US East Coast from early Sunday through Monday, significantly impacting flight operations.“Considering the safety of our passengers and crew, all Air India flights to and from New York and Newark have been cancelled on January 25 and 26,” the airline said. Air India added that its teams would provide full assistance to passengers booked to travel on these dates.The airline also shared helpline numbers for further information, asking passengers to contact its 24×7 call centre at +91 11 6932 9333 and +91 11 6932 9999.Meanwhile, harsh winter conditions across the United States have taken a toll on nearly half the population, as a days-long storm system brings snow, sleet, ice, bitter cold and widespread power outages. Forecasters warned that the damage, particularly in areas coated in ice-could be catastrophic and rival the impact of a hurricane. After sweeping through the South, the storm is expected to move into the Northeast, dumping up to a foot (30 cm) of snow from Washington through New York and Boston, according to the National Weather Service.Boston has declared a cold emergency through the weekend, while Connecticut is coordinating with neighbouring New York and Massachusetts in case travel restrictions are required on major highways.