ATLANTA — The snowstorm heading our way could have a big impact on travel plans.
Officials at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport told Channel 2’s Justin Wilfon they're ready for anything over the next couple of days.
Severe Weather Team 2 forecast up to 4 inches of snow in parts of the metro and across north Georgia.
Airport employees will be working 12-hour shifts to keep the runways clear.
Traveler Ciarra Medder and her family told Wilfon they were happy to be getting out of town before the winter storm moves in.
"We're heading to Disney World," Medder said. "Very grateful, very, very grateful.”
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Airport officials told Wilfon they held a series of meetings Thursday to prepare for the storm. Gov. Nathan Deal issued a state of emergency Thursday ahead of the storm.
"At the world's busiest and most efficient airport we have to be ready for any inclement weather that comes our way," Hartsfield-Jackson Director of Policy and Communications Reese McCranie told Wilfon.
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They hope to keep the airport open no matter what the storm brings. McCrannie said priority No. 1 is keeping the runways clear and flights on time.
"We've got over 40 pieces of equipment. That's snow removal, that's also Knock, which is de-icing fluid, as well," McCrannie said.
Pilot Ed White, who's also president of Business Aviation Solutions at the Cobb County Airport, knows all about what it's like to fly in snowy conditions.
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"It's all about being prepared. It's all about getting your forecasts, looking at the weather and evaluating aircraft performance," White told Wilfon.
While he said the forecasted snow could essentially close Atlanta’s smaller airports, Hartsfield-Jackson should keep on running.
"The airlines, the pilots are well prepared for this. There may be delays, but it's all for your safety," White said.
As always, be sure to check with your airline to see if your flight's on time before you come to the airport.
Cox Media Group
