Unprecedented Storm Likely to Affect Runway Use

The National Weather Service in Chanhassen has alerted residents that an unprecedented outbreak of severe thunderstorms for this time of year is likely early this evening. This weather is forecasted to include strong and gusty winds out of the southwest. These conditions may result in the Federal Aviation Administration having to use less common runway configurations at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). 

Air Traffic Controllers assign landing and departing aircraft to runways that provide the greatest amount of headwind, especially when wind speed exceeds 10 miles per hour. The parallel runways (Runways 12L/30R and 12R/30L) are used most often at MSP. But later today, with forecasted sustained wind speed above 35 miles per hour and forecasted gusts up to 60 miles per hour, arriving and departing aircraft may be directed to use Runway 4/22 (the crosswind runway).  

Residents may notice unusual flight patterns when the parallel runways are not in use.  

This unusual weather could also cause airline schedule disruptions. Regularly scheduled arrivals and departures may be delayed into the overnight hours or cancelled entirely.  

You can view up-to-date runway use information and flight activity on the MAC’s FlightTracker.