Powerful winter storm roils travel across the US, wreaking havoc for flights and public transit

By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS and RIO YAMAT, AP Business Writers

NEW YORK (AP) — Severe winter weather across the northeastern United States, a partial government shutdown and security concerns in parts of western Mexico converged to make Monday a challenging time for air travel.

Thousands of U.S. flights were canceled or delayed on the East Coast as a powerful snowstorm upended daily routines in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and other major cities. Airlines also suspended or adjusted service to destinations in and around Mexico’s Jalisco state as violence erupted in the aftermath of a senior cartel leader’s killing.

Travelers with Global Entry memberships faced potentially longer wait times upon arriving in the U.S. as well, after the Department of Homeland Security, which shut down on Feb. 14 because Congress did not reach an agreement on its continued funding, temporarily halted the program that gives pre-approved individuals an expedited way to clear immigration and customs.