Watch | Plane Skids Off Runway in New York’s Rochester Airport as Harsh Winter Batters US

An American Airlines plane slid off a snowy runway in Rochester, New York this week. The flight landed at the airport after a flight from Philadelphia. The flight slid onto the grass and was carrying 53 passengers and three crew members. A report by Associated Press said that there were no injuries.

The Embraer E145 had just landed at New York’s Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport and taxied into the terminal around 4pm when it slipped, the New York Post said, citing the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and the American Airlines.

A spokesman for the airlines said that the incident was caused by “snowy airfield conditions” due to the light snowstorms across the area. Videos on social media showed emergency service crews responding to the plane and several firefighters helping the passengers exit onto the field which was fully covered with snow.

“Safety is our top priority, and we apologize to our customers for their experience. Everyone on board deplaned safely and was transported to the terminal by bus,” the spokesperson said.

The flight had just made the 483 kms journey from Philadelphia International Airport and landed nearly one hour late. When it slipped it was snowing lightly in Rochester.

Rochester will receive another round of heavy snowfall and snow is expected to fall at a rate of 2 to 4 inches per hour over the weekend in nearby Buffalo.

The aircraft was towed off the taxiway and was taken out of service for a full inspection and the FAA initiated a probe.

The arctic blast of winter weather is gripping much of the US this week and the northeast US is just one part of the United States dealing with frigid, icy and dangerous weather.

The US’ Pacific Northwest witnessed snow, freezing rain, ice and frigid temperatures and has caused at least 10 deaths in Oregon, from hypothermia and falling trees or utility poles, along with five from hypothermia in the Seattle area.