Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air Operating Limited Schedules in Seattle (click title to entry - thank you)
By Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Last modified: 2012-01-20T03:29:44Z
Published: Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 - 7:29 pm
SEATTLE, Jan. 19, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Freezing rain and snow continue to affect Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air operations, which forced the carriers to cancel 310 flights to and from Seattle by early evening, affecting 29,000 passengers. Only 15 of Alaska's 114 daily flights and one Horizon flight had departed Seattle by that time as the region was hit by an extraordinary ice storm.
"We are doing our best to operate as many flights as possible to get people where they need to go as we cope with severe ice accumulation on our planes," Alaska Airlines' President Brad Tilden said. "We appreciate customers' patience and understanding as we contend with the freezing rain that has disrupted travel throughout the region. Our operational decisions will continue to be guided by our commitment to safety."
1330z
UNISYS Goes West Water Vapor Satellite (click here for 12 hour loop)
As first glance the reason for such turbulence and vascillation of 'weather' is due to the Arctic Oscillation. But, that isn't it alone and this is a prime example why the verbiage of current weather/climate labels doesn't address the Climate Crisis.
Normally, the Arctic Oscillation is a big deal all by itself, but, this disasterous weather is also combined with a heat transfer system from across the Pacific. The heat transfer system mixing with the Arctic Oscillation has delivered varying weather, but, a lot of water in the form of rain and flooding. This is definately a weather pattern to pay attention to and is not in any imagination NORMAL. Also noted is another very wet air pattern that may deliver more moisture to Texas, but, again the drought of the land is so profound the likelihood there will be improvement in the climate is remote, very remote.
Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington state declared a state of emergency on Thursday authorizing the use of National Guard troops in the aftermath of snowmaggedon now turned icemaggedon that has paralyzed much of the state with downed trees and tens of thousands without electricity.
Authorities say that over 2,300 car wrecks have taken place so far, according to KCPQ News.
Up to 230,000 customers are without electricity according to Andy Wappler from Puget Sound Energy, according to KOMO 4 News. Some will be without power for up to five days.
First came a historic snow storm, then that snow turned to ice which put weight on trees causing some to fall or large branches to break off on to roadways and over power lines, now the concern is the next couple of days bringing a warm front that likely will cause flooding....
Tacoma, WA chain link fence
State of Emergency in WA after storm: 3 dead (click here)
Jan 19, 2012 at 5:08 PM PST
By Stephanie Ealy
