Seattle-Tacoma International Airport prepared for snow

KING COUNTY, Wash. — With snow on the way, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Friday was a portal to warmer places.

Barb and Ron Day were headed to Largo, Florida.

“You know why, because it’s 81 degrees there, not here,” he said.

The start of President’s Day weekend, and mid-winter break from school, are expected to bring the most air travelers to SEA since the start of the pandemic.

That ups the pressure to clear the snow.

“We are ready for snow with the maintenance of runways, taxiways and ramp areas,” said Kate Hudson of the Port of Seattle.

Trucks are fitted with plows and have already spread anti-icer.

“We have more than 45 pieces of equipment for snow and ice maintenance, we have thousands of gallons of anti-ice fluid, and I literally mean tons of sand when I say tons of sand,” Hudson said.

During the historic storms of February 2019, crews removed three million cubic yards of snow.

There were flight delays, but the airport stayed open.

“If we did it then, I think we can definitely do it this year, especially with less in the forecast,” Hudson said.

SEA suggests travelers check with their airlines about any delays.

Passengers should also remember COVID-19 protocols at the airport, including the requirement to wear a mask.

Cox Media Group