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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A significant snowstorm is ready to maneuver into the Twin Cities, bringing upwards of eight inches of accumulation to the metro. Plows will begin clearing the town streets, however how do airports make sure that their runways are clear?
The Minneapolis-St. Paul Worldwide Airport launched a video which explains the method on Friday.
In all, over 150 items of snow and ice elimination tools make up a fleet to make sure that flights depart on time, all coordinated by about 100 individuals from departments across the airport.
Relying on the time of day, the runway will shut for roughly quarter-hour for snow elimination, based on the video. A formation of 15-23 automobiles – made up of plows, brooms, blowers, de-icers, and sanders – all clear the snow, after which a floor friction testing automobile follows the road.
Formation of kit to take away snow (Credit score: MSP Airport)
The automobile travels at 40 mph down the runway, whereas a fifth aircraft wheel is lowered to find out whether or not the runway is secure to make use of.
Based on the video, airport electricians clear the snow from all of the runway lights by hand.
After the snowstorm, crews can keep on website for days to maintain eradicating snow. Some piles are moved off-site to soften, whereas different chunks are taken to certainly one of 4 airport melters, which may soften as much as 150 tons of snow an hour.
Electricians clear runway indicators at MSP Airport (Credit score: MSP Airport)
Friday’s snowstorm will affect southern areas of the state. Snow began to fall round midday, and areas south of the metro might see over 10 inches of snow.
It’s the primary main snowstorm of the season. To remain on high of the forecast, click on right here.
