The winter storm presents a challenge for crews and passengers at Cherry Capital Airport.
The weather is causing travel headaches for people trying to get in and out of Northern Michigan after the Thanksgiving holiday.
"I thought traveling Monday after the Sunday of everybody rushing back, this would be a lot smoother sailing with connections," said Charlotte Crain, who is headed to San Francisco. "But it turned out not to be the case."
Even the best laid plans are not safe from the wrath of Mother Nature. While many travelers will tell you the holidays are never a fun time to fly, add in bad weather, and you're left with a lot of stress and little options.
"The weather canceled all the flights here and in Chicago so consequently we can't go anywhere for a couple of days," said George Kozlowski, who has to re-schedule his vacation.
Cancellations and delays were the norm for not only Cherry Capital, but its hubs like Chicago's O'Hare and Detroit Metro. While crews in Traverse City have been working through the night, the hours of preparation can't always beat a winter storm's punch.
"When you have a system snow coming in, right now we're getting some wet snow because of the temperatures, and we're also getting volume," said Stephen Cassens, the director of Cherry Capital Airport. "So right now the airport is fighting both visibility and winds, some strong winds."
The roaring wind outside was just one obstacle for crews hard at work trying to keep at least one runway open. Any break in the weather, even a few minutes, could mean a big break for passengers trying to get out.
"That is going to help and that's going to start moving aircraft around," said Cassens.
Two planes were so lucky in the early afternoon. It's a streak crews and passengers hope continues, especially for those heading out to warmer climates and not looking back.
"I think I'll miss the beauty of it. I don't know about getting around in it. That's kind of treacherous I think," said Crain. "I'll be happy to be home, that's for sure."
The airport director suggests if you have travel plans, check the airport's website and keep in touch with your airline. Many passengers we spoke with will be staying here overnight, and trying again in the morning.
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