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The freeze is back. It was just earlier this month when a week-long, nationwide arctic smothering led to 27,779 canceled flight out of 243,842 scheduled departures, according to flight
tracking site FlightView. Now a new storm is descending, dumping snow on the Northeast and leaving much of the states in a frozen grip that won't lift until next Monday. That spells
trouble for travelers. Here's what to watch out for, whether you're going by plane, train, or automobile. _ (Read more: _) Air Canada planes get de-iced on the tarmac by crews at
Pearson International Airport in Toronto, January 20, 2014. Rene Johnston | Toronto Star | Getty Images PLANES: Nearly 2,600 flights are canceled and 3,800 are delayed, affecting airports
from Washington to Boston, Flightaware.com reports. Several airlines announced they were waiving ticket changes and cancellation fees for fliers traveling to and from airports up and down
the Northeast and Chicago. If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, you can get a refund. MORE FROM NBC NEWS: Airlines splurging on new, fuel-efficient jets $3.6B makeover
planned for NY's LaGuardia Airport Christie's inauguration party canceled due to weather Check with your airline's website for which airports qualify. Look for breaking
information in their Twitter feeds. And remember that tweeting at the airline can be a way to get a quick fix, especially if phone lines get jammed like last time. _(Read more:_ Propane
shortage may leave millions in US shivering) It will likely take days to unwind the fallout from the storm. Plan accordingly. Already 537 flights for Wednesday were canceled. TRAINS: So far
Amtrak reports no changes to service, but this morning the railroad tweeted a recommendation that travelers check their train status before they leave home. Metro-North warned travelers that
service could be suspended or reduced during rush hour. AUTOMOBILES: Expect a treacherous commute. Get out early if you can and then stay off the roads as conditions will only worsen. By
nightfall, near-blizzard conditions along the coast are possible. _—By Ben Popken of NBC News_