Tromsø Airport has to close the runway due to snowfall on Friday afternoon. The severe weather is also paralyzing large parts of Finnmark.
Snow-Covered Runway
– We need to clear away all the snow that has accumulated throughout the day.Traffic is currently at a standstill, says Ivar Helsing Schrøen, head of Tromsø airport, to Dagbladet at 5:35 PM.
He states that it involves “quiet a few” affected flights, as the airport’s peak traffic time is around 5:00 PM.
– Traffic is highly likely to resume in about one and a half hours,but passengers should prepare for delays. There may be follow-up delays extending into tomorrow as well, he adds.
Some flights, though, managed to land before the most intense storm hit.
– We advise passengers to refer to their airline and the details they provide. Snow in Northern Norway is not uncommon, but safety comes first, emphasizes Helsing Schrøen.
Forecasted Storm
Northern Norway can expect heavy precipitation over the weekend, primarily in the form of snow, says meteorologist Iselin Skjervagen from the Norwegian Meteorological institute.
– The snow will not settle evenly, as strong gusts of wind sweep across the region. Many areas have orange weather warnings for wind, she tells Dagbladet.
At Hekkingen in Troms, gusts of wind have been recorded at a staggering 46.8 meters per second.
How can travelers stay informed about flight delays due to adverse whether conditions?
Title: Snowfall and Airport operations: An Insightful Interview wiht Ivar Helsing Schrøen
Q: Thank you for joining us, Ivar. Can you give us an overview of the situation at Tromsø Airport following Friday afternoon’s snowfall?
A: Thank you for having me. As you’ve mentioned, Tromsø Airport had to close its runway due to significant snowfall that impacted our operations. We needed to clear away all the snow that accumulated, especially during peak traffic around 5:00 PM. Unfortunately, this has affected quite a few flights.
Q: What can passengers expect in terms of flight operations during severe weather conditions like this?
A: Currently, we anticipate that traffic will resume in about an hour and a half, but passengers should definitely prepare for delays. Additionally, these delays may continue into the following day, depending on how quickly we can clear the runway and restore our services. We recommend that passengers stay in touch with their airlines for the moast accurate updates regarding their flights.
Q: Given the frequent snowfall in Northern Norway, how does the airport prioritize safety during these adverse conditions?
A: Safety is our top priority. While snowfall is common in Northern Norway, we understand that it can create significant operational challenges. We closely monitor the weather conditions and communicate regularly with our team and passengers. Importantly, passengers should always follow the advice and updates provided by their airlines.
Q: We hear that heavy precipitation in the region is expected to continue over the weekend. What insights can you share from the meteorological viewpoint?
A: That’s correct. According to the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, Northern Norway is bracing for more heavy snowfall this weekend. Meteorologist Iselin Skjervagen mentioned that the snow won’t settle evenly due to strong gusts of wind affecting various areas, which are under orange weather warnings. In some locations, we’ve observed gusts of wind reaching over 46 meters per second! This variability can complicate both airport operations and travel plans for everyone.
Q: With the forecasted conditions, what practical advice would you offer to travelers in the region?
A: Travelers should prepare for possible disruptions. Keep your travel plans flexible, allow for extra time, and check the latest updates from your airline frequently. It’s crucial to remain patient, as delays can be inevitable in such weather. Additionally, ensuring you have the necessary winter gear is always a good practice during snowstorms in Northern Norway.
Q: how does Tromsø Airport remain prepared for future weather events?
A: We continuously review and refine our emergency plans and protocols to ensure a swift response to severe weather events. This includes close collaboration with meteorological services to get timely updates and make informed decisions on operations. Our team undergoes regular training to handle snow and icy conditions effectively. Preparedness is key in maintaining safety and minimizing disruptions for our passengers.
Q: Thank you, Ivar, for your valuable insights on this pressing issue.We hope travelers stay safe and informed during this snowy weather.
A: Thank you for having me, and I encourage everyone to put safety first while traveling in these conditions.