Winter Weather Cripples Southern Airports, Deicing Operations Begin (Credit: Meteorologist Jessica Olsen)

Image Courtesy: Croatia Airlines at Zagreb Airport, Airbus A320

Amid heavy winter weather experienced in parts of the country as we wrap up 2017, many are still taking this opportunity to conduct last minute travel for the New Year. Despite an extremely cold start to 2018, locations in the middle of the CONUS are experiencing subzero wind chills with temperatures in most locations from the Gulf to the Carolinas below the freezing level.
 
Heavy delays and cancellations are being seen in Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) as they contend with ice and temperatures upwards of 30 degrees below normal. Winter weather advisories are issues for western and central Texas while eastern Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama are seeing a hard freeze warning all impacting travel this weekend into the start of the work week.
 
It’s no surprise that DFW is seeing delays however remaining away from cancellations due to the process of deicing. Delays are expected due to deicing, however freezing conditions at the airport play a critical role in how aircraft performance is seen in the skies. Passengers often ask why deicing is necessary, and the process ensures that buildup of snow and ice will not be present on the aircrafts’ control surfaces (ailerons, elevator, stabilizer, flaps, slats, rudder). Deicing fluid is a mixture of glycol and water. This fluid is then heated and sprayed on the control surfaces and fuselage if necessary to prevent buildup. Optimal aircraft performance is achieved when there is little to no accumulation on its surfaces. Note, when aircraft are inflight the subzero temperatures at higher altitudes present difficulties and decrease engine performance, which is why it is critical for any initial accumulation to be removed on the ground.
 
Airlines are indicating to verify flight statuses before arrival, in addition to possible delays due to the deicing process.
 
For more information on winter weather and aviation visit the Global Weather and Climate Center!
 
© Meteorologist Jessica Olsen