A powerful winter storm swept across the US East Coast yesterday, unleashing record-breaking snowfall and bringing widespread disruption to air freight and transport networks across the region.

Parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts were buried under as much as three feet of snow, while areas of New Jersey and Long Island reported accumulations of up to two feet.

In response to the hazardous conditions, authorities in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts imposed bans on non-essential travel, urging residents to remain indoors as crews worked to clear roads and restore critical services.

The severe weather has had a particularly acute impact on aviation, with more than 5,000 US flight departures cancelled. Nearly a quarter of inbound international services were also called off, including hundreds of flights departing from major UK hubs such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.

Airports serving New York City, Boston and Philadelphia were among the worst affected, as heavy snowfall and high winds grounded aircraft and suspended cargo handling operations.

Significant air freight delays have already been reported, with further cancellations anticipated through Tuesday and potentially beyond. Boston and New York airports are expected to remain especially vulnerable while conditions stabilise.

Beyond air freight, disruption is likely to impact domestic transport networks throughout the North East, affecting collections and deliveries for both air and ocean freight.

The Westbound team continues to track developments closely and are available to discuss any concerns on current or upcoming shipments.

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