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QAIA...geared up for the storm

Jordan’s airport prepares for snowstorm

AMMAN, January 6, 2015

Airport International Group (AIG), the Jordanian company responsible for the rehabilitation, expansion and operation of Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), has activated its snow plan, in preparation for the upcoming snowstorm that is expected to pass over the kingdom in the coming days.

As part of the snow plan, AIG has set on standby a fleet of sweepers, vehicles outfitted with snow ploughs and blades, in addition to a de-icing/anti-icing spreader. AIG also conducted a practice trial to ensure optimal effectiveness of the applied procedures.

Following QAIA’s Snowstorm Committee’s meeting on November 18, 2014, AIG is closely coordinating with all involved entities to address all applicable tools and procedures, including the continuous monitoring of meteorological conditions.

QAIA passengers and visitors are requested to take caution when travelling to the airport during the storm, and to heed the Civil Defence’s warnings as weather conditions develop. Travellers are also advised to arrive at least three hours prior to their flights to avoid delays resulting from traffic congestion, and to check for schedule updates by contacting their airlines or by calling QAIA at 06-4010250. 

Meanwhile, with memories still fresh of the Holy Land's worst storm in 50 years last winter, Israelis and Palestinians stocked up on supplies for a forecast heavy snowfall on Tuesday.

The approaching storm, due to peak on Wednesday, was expected to be lighter than in December 2013, when snow fell for three days, paralysing the region and causing power outages that left tens of thousands cut off from electricity and heat.

Israeli television weatherman Danny Rupp predicted 12 to 24 hours of snowfall in Jerusalem. Barry Lynn, a meteorologist at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said the storm would likely dump between 25 cm and 60 cm (10 inches and 24 inches) of snow in the city.

Snowploughs and power crews were on alert in Jerusalem, northern Israel and in the Palestinian Territories.

As the skies darkened on Tuesday, Israelis and Palestinians scurried for food supplies and gas or paraffin heaters.

"We ran out quickly," said one salesmen in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market, "There's not a heater to be found anywhere in the area."

Heavy rains and near-freezing temperatures in the approaching storm threatened to deepen the misery in the Gaza Strip, where streets are still strewn with wreckage from a 50-day war with Israel last summer, thousands live in UN shelters and damaged homes and the power is on only six hours a day.

"No electricity, no drinkable water, no reconstruction, and now a storm. Our people need the help of the entire world," said Samir Ali, 47, a Gaza city taxi driver.

Inside a packed supermarket, Jerusalem resident Alon Issashar, 29, said he had hoped to beat the crowds by shopping early.

"As you can see Armageddon is coming," he joked. "People are going crazy. I guess people outside of Israel will laugh but we are used to sun."

In the Palestinian city of Ramallah, shoppers cleaned bread, water and diapers off supermarket shelves.

In Jerusalem, Mayor Nir Barkat said roads to the city were likely to be closed at the sight of the first snowflakes.– TradeArabia News Service and Reuters




Tags: Jordan | AIG | snow storm | QAIA |

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