Planes, trains and automobiles, on ice
2,200 flights grounded at Hartsfield-Jackson
No one at the airport can recall a time when so many flights were canceled in such short order. Only about 300 planes were expected in or out on Wednesday, but hundreds of airport staff were staying in the terminal Tuesday night on cots or air mattresses. Tips for fliers:
- Check with airline for the status of your flight before heading to the airport. Check it again after you get to the airport. It may be canceled after your arrive.
- Delta's phone lines have had long waits. Try using the airline's website, mobile app or @DeltaAssist on Twitter.
- Be prepared for long lines and waits. Get to the airport at least two hours before your flight. (Consider taking MARTA, if the trains are running.)
- Bring an empty water bottle to the airport to use at water refilling stations at Hartsfield-Jackson
MARTA: No buses, trains on weekend schedule
MARTA announced Tuesday that it will have no buses on the road Wednesday. Trains were supposed to run on weekend schedules, with the first ones cranking up at 4:35 a.m. MARTA notes that the train schedules are subject to change, depending on the weather.
DOT to truckers: Stay out of Atlanta. As for the rest of us . . .
Truck traffic, some of it illegal inside I-285, did a number on the Downtown Connector during the last storm, and the Department of Transportation tried Tuesday to make sure that doesn’t happen again. On Monday, the DOT warned through trucks not to venture inside the Perimeter. By Tuesday, truckers were being told to avoid metro Atlanta altogether.
If you’re not a trucker, it’s still a good idea to stay off the roads. If you just can’t:
- Slow down. The posted speed limit is for driving on dry pavement. Keep three seconds or more between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Even 4-wheel drive vehicles will have difficulty on icy roads. Try to avoid overpasses and bridges.
- Let someone know your timetable and your primary and alternate travel routes.
- Keep your gas tank near full to prevent ice from forming in the fuel lines.
- Make sure your cell phone is fully charged.
- If your rear wheels skid, steer where you want to go. If the front wheels skid, steer straight until you regain control. Take your foot off the gas in either case.
- Carry a flashlight, first-aid kit, water, blanket, wool cap, gloves, ice scraper, non perishable food and cat litter or sand to provide some traction on ice.
