Hartsfield-Jackson airport officials share winter storm preparation plans
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Officials at the world’s busiest airport gathered Friday to share how they plan to address the oncoming winter storm.
Several Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport managers spoke at 11 a.m. Atlanta News First streamed their comments live.
FULL FORECAST: Ice Storm Warning for northeast Georgia; Winter storm watch for rest of metro Atlanta
With potential winter weather coming this weekend, officials at the world’s busiest airport said their equipment is ready to treat the runways and areas where planes and vehicles move around.
Gus Hudson, the deputy general manager of operations, said they have over 45 pieces of equipment, including trucks that can plow snow and clear surfaces.
According to airport officials, millions of dollars were spent on new equipment to help with response and improve from last year.
“We’ve added some new equipment this year so we can clear the airfield at a higher rate of speed and return it back to the airlines for their operations a lot sooner than we were able to in the past,” Christopher Jackman, assistant general manager of maintenance, said.
Ice, sleet and rain are expected to hit north Georgia on Saturday and Sunday, slicking roads and possibly knocking out power lines. On Friday morning, several northeast Georgia counties were placed under an ice storm warning.
Meanwhile, a winter storm watch remains in effect for the rest of north Georgia, including metro Atlanta.
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The Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines said it’s offering free flight changes for travel through certain airports until Jan. 28.
This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.
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