Huntsville airport 'operational, ready to serve' amid icy weather

A winter weather event here in North Alabama has caused the closures of schools, businesses, public services and roads throughout Madison County. But word from the Huntsville International Airport is that HSV is fully operational, despite some flight delays over the weekend.

Here’s what’s up:

HSV implements ‘snow + ice plan’

Crews implemented the airport’s snow and ice plan ahead of the ice storm. (Huntsville International Airport)

Flight cancellations and delays are decided by the individual airlines, and not by the Port of Huntsville. So many of the flights that were cancelled or delayed over the weekend were proactive decisions made by Delta, United and American Airlines.

In the meantime, crews at HSV have been working around the clock to take necessary precautions amid icy road conditions and freezing temperatures here in Huntsville.

“Our Airport Operations team has been working around the clock throughout this winter weather event. Several days ahead of the storm’s onset, the team proactively implemented the airport’s snow and ice plan, applying liquid and solid anti-icing agents to runways, aprons and terminal roadways to prevent ice formation.

Their early planning and continuous efforts have kept the airport open, operational and ready to serve our customers.”

Huntsville International Airport statement

HSV Operations Specialist, Bobby Ray has been among several airport operations team members who have been working on the runways. (Huntsville International Airport)

Closures in the Huntsville area

Earlier this morning, all elevated portions of Memorial Parkway were closed, but since then, have gradually opened as they are treated with salt and ice has been cleared.

Huntsville Police Department officials have said to use extreme caution in driving today, as the temperatures in the area will likely not get above freezing.

Schools in the area have not said whether or not they will reopen Tuesday, but if the ice on the roads refreezes, black ice can be present, which creates another set of road problems altogether.

In the meantime, the city has reminded residents that warming stations are set up to accommodate folks who may not have access to power or heat:

Madison County
- The Livin’ Room: 2820 Governors Drive SW Huntsville, AL 35805; 256-427-5400 or rvealeby@navity-hsv.org
- Salvation Army: 305 Seminole Drive SW Huntsville, AL 35805 256-536-9147 Open Monday through Sunday: 6PM – 7:30AM
- Downtown Rescue Mission: 1400 Evangel Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35816 256-536-2441 Open 24/7
- First Stop: 206 Stokes St NW, Huntsville, AL 35805 | open 8AM-4PM
- Huntsville, AL 35805 256-533-3391 Open Monday–Thursday, 8AM–4PM, Friday, 8AM– PM
Morgan County
- Hands Across Decatur: 1027 5th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL; Open 8:30AM–3PM, Mon–Thurs; 10AM–3PM, Fri–Sun. Lunch served daily at 11AM. Blankets, warm coats, gloves, socks and hats available
- Salvation Army: 100 Austinville Rd SW, Decatur, AL 35601; Opens daily at 4PM as an overnight shelter. Dinner at 5PM; must be inside by 7PM. Light breakfast at 7AM; leave at 8AM.