Funviralpark Thousands of people in Oregon had their vacation plans upended on Friday after a freezing ice storm hit the area on what was supposed to be one of the busiest travel days of the year. are dealing with.
Portland International Airport canceled 164 flights scheduled to depart the city on Friday and delayed five more, according to flypdx.com’s airport flight tracker. . At least 149 flights scheduled to land in Portland on Friday failed to land, and five more were delayed. The shutdowns were widespread, affecting nearly all airlines.
Airport workers were trying to keep runways and taxiways clear of ice and monitor road and parking lot conditions, according to Portland Port spokesperson Melanie Rosales. I am asking you to check the flight status before leaving for
Other transport also suffered from the weather. Amtrak has reportedly canceled its Empire Builder route between Portland and Chicago by Christmas. TriMet has suspended all MAX light rail service and limited bus routes to those frequently serviced due to freezing conditions.
Meanwhile, long lines formed at area hotels as people tried to make alternative plans or ducked to wait for the storm that brought power lines down in the Portland area to subside.
“Tonight we are fully booked and we can say that many people without reservations are stranded at the hotel,” said Teresa Bieber, general manager of Hampton Inn Portland Airport. She said she was responding to cancellations from people who couldn’t make it to their planned stays, adding that they were doing their best to juggle both groups. Kayla Fluharty, the manager, advised people seeking reservations to keep trying throughout the day in case something opens.
Others, on the other hand, have decided to take the courage to hit the road. Joe Erickson of Portlander said he and his family are heading out on his 15-hour road trip to Southern California after his flight to Los Angeles was cancelled.
“In Orange County, we have a sacred Christmas Eve tradition of spending time with family,” Erickson said. “Instead of taking a chance, my family and I will bravely make our way. Hopefully we can make it!
— Julia Silverman, @jrlsilverman, [email protected]
