MINNEAPOLIS — Even before the first flakes arrived in the Twin Cities metro, flights began dropping like flies on the board at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Metropolitan Airports Commission spokesman Patrick Hogan says as of 2 p.m., 191 flights had been cancelled and 23 officially delayed by the approaching storm, which is expected to deliver 4 to 8 inches of snow in parts of the Twin Cities.
Hogan explained that individual airlines watch the weather closely, and pre-cancel some flights ahead of major snow storms when they know they are not going to be able to fly a full schedule. He adds that even when no snow has yet fallen here doesn’t mean other areas have not, impacting flights to and from that destination.
MSP has on-staff meteorologists that keep tabs on current conditions and future forecasts, and an army of plows to clear runways when snow becomes heavy. If conditions warrant Friday afternoon or evening the FAA could issues a Ground Stop, which means no flights can either take off or land from the airport. That would have an even more profound impact on MSP's flight schedule.
Officials recommend anyone with a flight today or Saturday morning should check with their own airline before leaving for the airport, to make sure their flight is still happening.
Hogan also says road conditions will likely impact travelers, as getting to the airport could be an extra challenge. He says it would be smart to give yourself extra time to get to the terminal.