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Love Field Airport and Dallas Fort Worth Airport are preparing for the freezing weather expected to occur this weekend.
What’s happening?
The temperature is expected to drop to 11 or 12 degrees overnight Friday, Jan. 23, according to Community Impact reporting. Wind chills could drop the temperature to between 0 and -10 degrees Saturday and Sunday.
Precipitation is expected to stop Sunday morning, but ice may remain until Tuesday or later in the week.
What you need to know
With any anticipated high volume of passengers and weather impacts, Dallas Love Field staff recommend travelers:
The airport’s leadership team plans to meet frequently to discuss updates and reassign resources as needed. Staff will remain on-site around the clock to oversee tasks.
To accommodate passengers who may need to stay at the airport for an extended period of time, Love Field staff will keep the secure portion of the terminal open and provide cots, blankets and snacks when necessary and available, Rounds said. Typically the airport will have limited concessions open throughout the day and night.
More details
The airlines will be responsible for clearing snow and ice off the aircraft and managing flight schedules, she said. The Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control will determine if the skies and runways are unsafe for operations based on the friction test results and weather reports. Travelers can monitor ground stops issued by the FAA on its website.
Love Field’s waterlines on the exterior of the terminals that pumps water to aircrafts are insulated and heat-traced, Rounds said. Love Field's facilities team also drains drip drums, or liquid collection stations, on the exterior of the building on the fire system, while the most vulnerable ones are in a heated cabinet.
What else?
The DFW Airport operations teams are working closely with the National Weather Service to track the forecast and assess potential weather impacts, said Zachary Greiner, the airport’s external communications manager. Airport roads and bridges will be treated as needed and the airport’s team will work to keep the airfield and runways operational to support safe travel.
Flyers are encouraged to monitor the weather, allow extra time when traveling to the airport and check directly with their airline for the most up-to-date flight information, he said.
