February 8, 2010

The weekend's snowstorm was much worse for travelers at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport than the "holiday punch" in December.

"We did have passengers who were stranded here," CHO director Barbara Hutchinson said. "We had a diverted flight. That's the first time that's ever happened, and so I think there was a level of frustration that we didn't have more creature comforts than we had."

The storm grounded planes and travel plans for many over the weekend because of power outages on Friday and Saturday. Conditions at other airports also delayed trips.

"So many large hubs were affected in a broader area, so we had flights canceling because other airports couldn't accommodate with the level of snow they were receiving," Hutchinson said.

It caused an influx of activity Monday for those who had been stranded and those worried about getting out before Tuesday's anticipated snowfall.

Hutchinson said there had been lots of phone calls asking about changing travel plans.

For some scheduled to leave Monday, clear skies were a relief to see after Saturday's whiteout, especially if their destination was to a warmer climate.

"I'm going to Florida, so not too bad," Albemarle County resident J.P. O'Sullivan said.

But O'Sullivan's not out of the storm yet.

"My wife is joining me on Wednesday so I'm still a little concerned with her being able to make it because she's still going to be dealing with the snow tomorrow," he said.

He said he'll keep a close eye on the weather, as his wife and many other travelers keep an eye on cancellations and delays.