Airport Says Steps Underway To Monitor Tarmac Time

ANN REALTIME REPORTING 03.18.08 1730 EDT: Things are a mess in north Texas right now, as the area continues to be pounded by a strong springtime thunderstorm that's dumped as much as four inches of rain on the DFW metroplex, and produced two funnel clouds over DFW International Airport Tuesday morning.

So far, carriers serving DFW have reportedly cancelled upwards of 1000 flights due to weather... and an untold number of flights inbound to the airport have been diverted.

Representatives with DFW tell ANN the north Texas airport's Emergency Operation Center will continue to operate throughout the night Tuesday and into Wednesday morning, to assist thousands of passengers left stranded by powerful and ongoing spring thunderstorms that began early Tuesday morning.

The strong weather pattern that currently stretches from South Texas to the Great Lakes has also left passengers stranded in dozens of cities across the US.

The FAA lifted a ground stop at DFW Tuesday afternoon, and approximately 30 aircraft per hour were able to depart. Ongoing lightning and strong winds may ground more flights as the night goes on, however.

"This is one of the most vicious thunderstorms DFW has seen in quite some time, especially its ongoing intensity," said Ken Capps, vice president of public affairs for DFW. "Add in two snow storms in the past two weeks and this has been one of the most unusual early spring weather patterns in years. We know it can be frustrating for passengers, but everyone’s top priority is their safety."

DFW had been preparing for the storm for more than 24 hours, and was ready with additional personnel and emergency plans to handle the storm. DFW concessionaires planned to stay open throughout the night to assist passengers, and the airport will make available cots and other services to those forced to stay the night.

The airport has monitored tarmac time of all aircraft throughout the day and assisted airlines in returning some planes and passengers to terminals -- an apparent step towards avoiding the negative press such on-tarmac strandings attract.

Earlier Tuesday, winds reported at 90 knots -- over 100 mph -- lashed the airfield. DFW’s two FAA towers reported two funnel cloud sightings, causing brief evacuations. Passengers were also warned to stay away from windows as high winds and heavy lightning grounded most flights.

DFW is posting its weather alerts on its website, and urges passengers to monitor the Web site’s Flight Tracker feature to check arrival and departure information though Wednesday morning. The airport will continue to monitor the weather situation and will provide updates as needed.

FMI: www.dfwairport.com