Kamfanin jirgin sama na Alaska ya soke tashin jirage 47 saboda tsananin yanayin hunturu a yankin Arewa maso Yammacin Pacific

SEATTLE, WA – Alaska Airlines has canceled 47 flights today and Sunday to and from Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia due to severe winter weather hitting the region this afternoon. More cancellations or delays are possible.

A blizzard warning remains in effect until 10:00 am PST Sunday, December 20. Heavy blinding snow is falling and being gusted by winds up to 60 mph. The total snowfall during the storm could be as much as 15 inches, with wind chill values near 10 degrees. According to the National Weather Service, it is an extremely dangerous situation with considerable blowing and drifting of snow, creating whiteout conditions. An avalanche warning will also remain in effect until Sunday.

Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines’ chief operating officer, stated, “We regret the impact these cancellations are having on our customers’ holiday travel plans. These decisions are guided by our commitment to safety, and we are making every effort to re-accommodate passengers whose flight schedules have been disrupted.”

Before leaving for the airport, customers are advised to check for the most current flight status information online at alaskaair.com or by calling 1-800-ALASKA-AIR (1-800-252-7522).

Passengers booked on a cancelled flight may re-book on the next available flight without penalty or apply for a full refund of the unused portion of their ticket. Passengers wishing to exercise either of these options should call Alaska Airlines Reservations at 1-800-ALASKA-AIR (1-800-252-7522).