Winter traveling tips for flights and road-trips
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — On Wednesday, Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency as North Carolina prepares for the impacts of a major winter storm during the weekend of January 24th.
Several press conferences will be held about preparations on Thursday, including Governor Stein, the NC Department of Transportation and the City of Wilmington.
Meanwhile, officials at Wilmington International Airport are also preparing for the worst, even as it was sunny and mild outside on Wednesday.
ILM has equipment to deal with ice and snow, including de-icing chemicals for the runways and taxiways.
The airlines also have de-icing equipment for their planes as well.
But if you’re flying this weekend, airport director Jeff Bourk said you need to check your flights and schedule for any possible delays or cancellations.
“If you’ve got a flight and you’re concerned about it, number 1, check with your airline, make sure they’re operating,” Bourk said. “And then number 2, check right before you’re ready to leave and make sure that nothing has changed with your schedule. And then as always, give yourself a little extra time to get here safely.”
The threat of winter weather is already affecting travelers like Jack Cowan.
He flew to Cincinnati for a wedding on Wednesday evening and said if the weather is bad here, he’s prepared to possibly arrive back in Wilmington later than currently planned.
“All pants, all hoodies, which makes it a little hard to fit into a carry-on, which kind of sucks,” Cowan said. “Heavy jacket, beanie, I don’t have gloves, I’ll probably steal one of my brother’s. I brought my boots instead of like, you know, sneakers. I mean, I’m obviously not worried now. Like I know it’s supposed to be Friday and Saturday and Sunday. I’m worried about getting back to here on Sunday.”
Decisions about delaying or canceling any flights, Bourk said, are made by the individual airlines, not the airport.
However, ILM can close the airfield if weather conditions are severe and become dangerous for arriving or departing flights.
If you are driving this weekend, Tiffany Wright with AAA Carolinas recommends checking your tire pressure, because that’s when they get the highest number of drivers calling to report a flat tire.
She also has some tips for when you are driving in icy conditions.
“Make sure that you’re driving slowly,” Wright said. “You want to increase your following distance when we’re talking about a weather event like this, because your ability to stop is going to be greatly reduced. that if you can use a plowed lane, you want to stay in that lane. please don’t use cruise control. Even if you think you might be in an area where you’re not seeing a whole lot of you know, whether on the ice, weather on the roads.”
Wright added that your car should also have a winter emergency kit in it, consisting of warm clothing, a flashlight, an ice scraper, food, and water.
She also said that it’s best if you can avoid any unnecessary travel and stay home.
