Bay Area airports are experiencing delays because of fog and preparing for strong winds over the next couple of days.
San Francisco International Airport is on a ground delay program as the cloud ceiling continues to lower, SFO spokeswoman Nancy Parker said.
Departures from SFO heading to the East Coast have been impacted with an average of two-hour delays. Arrivals are delayed by about 70 minutes this evening from all U.S. locations until 9 p.m. Passengers are urged to check with their carriers before departing for the airport, Parker said.
“There is low-lying fog and a low ceiling,” Parker said.
Many arrivals and departures were also delayed this morning at San Jose International Airport from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. and five flights were canceled, said San Jose International Airport spokesman David Vossbrink.
Weather reports predict gusts of wind up to 45 mph in the next couple days, said Vossbrink.
“We’ll be looking for wind shear,” he said, describing the random bursts of wind that blow across the runways.
As conditions may get more severe, air traffic will be slowed down to ensure safety, Vossbrink said.
At Oakland International Airport, the fog was also dense today, but all flights are now running as scheduled.
“This is not burning off,” said Oakland International Airport spokeswoman Rosemary Barnes, describing the heavy fog across the Bay Area.
Oakland International Airport will prepare for heavier than usual winds by working with general aviation tenants to make sure smaller airplanes are secured and that commercial carriers have diversion plans, Barnes said.
Hannah Albarazi, Bay City News
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