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2 AIRPORT VOICE, AUGUST 2020
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Jeff Yapalater
516-425-4645
Isaias activated JFK EOC
Storm
preparations
in effect
BY JEFF YAPALATER
The JFK AOC played a key
role during this event by transitioning
to a Level 1 EOC at
0600 on 8/4 in a virtual setting.
The EOC/AOC coordinated
community calls, messaging
to stakeholders and customers,
coordinated responses
to storm incidents, and monitored
conditions continuously
while keeping management
well informed according to
JFK GM Charles Everett.
Despite earlier forecasts,
The hurricane turned tropical
storm eventually moved West
from the NY Metro area but
still impacted the area with
the highest winds since Hurricane
Sandy. It left behind
hundreds of thousands of residents
without electricity, thousands
of downed trees, house
damage and cessation internet
services. It was reported
by stakeholders that JFK had
a couple of damaged vehicles
and lost dozens of trees necessitating
removal and debris
clean-up.
Said Everett, “Ensuring
the safety of travelers during
severe weather conditions at
JFK is a top priority of the
Port Authority and our partners.
When activated, our
Emergency Operations Center
serves as the airport’s focal
point in restoring normal
operations during and after
a severe weather event. During
Hurricane Isaias, the EOC
virtually coordinated community
calls and direct communications
with stakeholders
and customers, monitored
weather conditions continually,
and kept management
well informed. Our emergency
response apparatus and
collaboration with stakeholders
is an enduring source of
pride.”
Preceding the Monday
DACC call, on Friday July
31, it was reported that Hurricane
Isaias was a Category
1 storm and was projected
to move up the eastern seaboard
over the weekend and
approach the New York Area
by Tuesday. The current forecast
indicated that the storm
would track East of Long Island
but the final path remained
uncertain. In preparation
for what may come,
the Port requested that all
stakeholders brief the following
items during this weekend’s
DACC calls. Port said
that there was still a significant
reduction in the level of
flight operations at JFK, but
asked for stakeholders to report
relevant information
that will impact the current
schedules:
Anticipated airline cancellations
Storm Preparations
Availability of ramp hardstands
out of total inventory
now and projected throughout
event
Staffing projections
throughout event and recovery
Terminal preparations and
staffing for Stranded Passengers
Customer Communications
Concessions preparedness
& staffing (hours) plans
Baggage Service Offices
(BSO) capacity / availability
and general readiness to accept
cancelled flight and Left
Over Bags (LOB)
Most important on the list
of concerns were the wind and
rain which might have caused
a threat to safety and damage.
The Air Traffic Control
Tower said they can maintain
operations in the tower with
winds into the low 60s, mph,
Over 70 mph, they will move to
another more secure location.
The Airtrain said it would
continue regular service with
sustained winds up to 40 mph
and suspend operations at 55
mph sustained.
On Tuesday morning,
THE EOC shared that the
storm had reportedly taken
a slight shift Westward and
these safety and preparedness
concerns were in effect
until late that evening. The
event was expected to begin
around 11am Tuesday and last
until Tuesday evening. According
to all the Port departments
and agency partners at
JFK, they all reported extra
or moved around staff to be
on hand for any storm related
situations.
According to the maintenance
departments, their
teams were continuing to
secure mechanical, structural
and electrical operations
through on-going checks
which include power sub stations
electrical airport water
pumps and all physical moving
parts a the airport including
roadways.
Some airlines reported
cancellations, delays and no
cargo shipments on Monday
preceding the storm. Terminals
were working with ramp
crews to continue to make
sure all equipment was safely
stored, air bridges were lowered
to prevent wind damage,
and storm drains inspected.
Stakeholder with concerns
were asked to call the AOC at
718-244-8100 and ask for the appropriate
department of Operations,
Maintenance, PAPD,
Airtrain, Security and Air
Traffic Control as needed.
AOC; airport operations office; jfk