Storm Snarls Northeast Air Travel

A snowstorm blanketed the city early Friday, causing headaches for commuters and delaying flights at the region's major airports.

The National Weather Service predicted 5 to 7 inches for New York City, and more in some northern suburbs. The storm is the first significant snowfall so far this winter in the city.

Flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport were delayed more than five hours. Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey had delays of almost seven hours, and LaGuardia Airport was reporting delays of up to three hours.

Several airlines, including JetBlue Airways and Delta Air Lines, were letting passengers flying to or from the area rebook their tickets without paying a change fee.

Schools from Ohio to Connecticut called off classes for Friday.

Before moving into the northeast, the storm dropped up to four inches of snow on parts of southwest and central Ohio. Dozens of crashes were scattered across highways.

Throughout the Dayton area, residents and municipalities were worried about salt supplies. Many towns in the area are using more salt this winter, and West Carrollton has started preserving supplies by giving priority to heavily traveled roads.

"We have a minimal supply of salt left in the barn," West Carrollton service department director Rich Norton said. "We need to make this last until we can get a new supply."

© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.