T.F. Green prepares for heavy snow

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) – Thirty plows are ready to hit the runways at T.F. Green airport as soon as the first snowflake falls.

Alan Andrade, Vice President of Operations and Maintenance at the Rhode Island Airport Corp. said the airport is ready for the upcoming snow storm.

“If the snow was falling an hour ago, this entire facility would be vacant, everyone would be on their mission,” said Andrade.

These vehicles cost around $200,000 and officials say each one can clear about five-thousand tons of snow per hour.

“Delays and cancellations are based on the airline’s determination as to what they can and can’t work with. Our efforts are continuous. We’re out clearing snow and it’s an ongoing process. The surface condition may not be an impact to the decision making,” said Andrade.

Hundreds of airline crew members are ready to not only deal with tough runways, but also frustrated travelers.

Many flyers are trying to leave early to avoid cancelations and delays.

Airport Officials say everyone is on standby for the weekend, ready to deal with passengers, delays, cancelations, and plowing the runways.