MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. — After temperatures warmed up briefly in West Michigan, many were bracing for another cold winter blast on the lakeshore.
That included officials at the Muskegon County Airport.
Airport Director Ken Efting says officials began working on runways early in the morning.
“We got the call early this morning, around 2:30, and our whole crew came in hands on deck. We had that threshold of where temps dip below freezing and the runway turned to ice,” said Efting.
He says officials had to use a specific defrosting solution on the runway because regular salt doesn’t work.
“You can’t use rock salt at an airport. It could lead to erosion. Airplanes aren’t set up to deal with salt,” said Efting.
He says as long as the temps don’t lead to more ice, they can handle the snow and cold temps.
But at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, Tom Jackson says there is no big prep happening because of the lack of consistent cold temps.
“We need cold temperatures to freeze the ground. Right now, it’s too warm and it could melt from the bottom and top. We use hoses on the luge and we need to freeze,” said Jackson.
And even though he and others are still waiting for the weather to change, he says he is confident this winter will be better for business compared to last year
“Oh we are excited and optimistic. The more cold the more venues we can open up,” said Jackson.
The airport did see a delay this morning, but things were back on track this afternoon.