Winter Storm Harper Could Drop 40 Inches of Snow on the Northeast — Here's What Travelers Need to Know

A “blockbuster” winter storm is setting its sights on the northeast this weekend, where it is possible that up to 40 inches of snow could fall.

Winter Storm Harper is making its way across the country, already dumping five inches of snow in California mountains in just two hours. The storm is expected to bring blizzard-like conditions across the plains through Friday into early Saturday, with snow expected as far south as northern Arkansas. The storm is expected to hit the Northeast on Sunday and possibly linger through the night.

Ahead of Harper’s passing, Chicago, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Des Moines, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Albany, Boston, and Providence are under winter storm watch or warning.

More than 200 million Americans are expected to face below-freezing temperatures as the storm rolls across the country. Airlines are already allowing passengers to push back their scheduled flights.

American Airlines passengers with flights on Jan. 18 and 19 to many airports in the Central and Midwest U.S. (including Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Nebraska) will be able to change their flights for free up until Jan. 23. Those traveling to the Northeast (including airports in New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire) on Jan. 19 and 20 are also eligible for free rebooking.

JetBlue passengers affected by Winter Storm Harper in the Midwest, Northeast, and New England regions can reschedule travel booked for Jan. 19 and 20. Rebooking is valid through Jan. 23.

United will rebook passengers who were scheduled to travel in the Midwest and Central Plains on Jan. 18 and 19. Travelers with plans to fly through airports in the Northeast on Jan. 19 and 20 can rebook through Jan. 23.

Delta passengers in the Central Plains and Ohio Valley can reschedule travel booked for Jan. 18 and 19. Those traveling to the Northeast on Jan. 19 and 20 can rebook for free as well.

Travel to and from Boston on board Alaska Airlines through Jan. 20 can be rebooked for free from Jan. 21 through 25.