St. Louis airport just hit by tornado

[Wari]

We're taking a bus, but unless the damage is less than what it looks like in some of the pictures I'm looking at, I doubt folk's flights will go according to schedule.

There's no chance they'll reschedule competition, but perhaps the airlines could sort out some sort of flight to the nearest airport and bus?

I'm curious to see what happens...

[cpeister]

We are coming down on a bus, but I feel bad for the teams (and family members of our team) that have to sort this out. Hopefully the airlines can work out running flights to nearby airports and running buses into St Louis. I haven't seen many pictures so I can't guess whether they will have it cleaned up by Tuesday/Wednesday.

[Cory]

Im no expert, but based on the pictures linked the damage looks fairly superficial. My guess is it gets cleaned up, windows get boarded over, or replaced, and everything is fine by Tuesday/Wednesday.

[Wari]

Originally Posted by Cory

Im no expert, but based on the pictures linked the damage looks fairly superficial. My guess is it gets cleaned up, windows get boarded over, or replaced, and everything is fine by Tuesday/Wednesday.

This is probably the most likely result. They're showing newsworthy photos, of course, but nothing much else. Probably most of the damage to the airport/passengers was immediate, large companies generally find ways to calmly proceed with business after events like this.

[JB987]

Just Mother Nature's way of reminding us that this year's event may not be entirely different than Atlanta after all???

[timytamy]

Originally Posted by Wari

This is probably the most likely result. They're showing newsworthy photos, of course, but nothing much else. Probably most of the damage to the airport/passengers was immediate, large companies generally find ways to calmly proceed with business after events like this.

I hope you're right, we fly tomorow!!!

[Koko Ed]

There's been alot of very severe weather around the St. Louis area the last few weeks including alot of storms that have produced killer tornadoes elsewhere and they are in the heart of tornado alley unlike Atlanta which was a once under a blue moon event. Tornadoes are just part of life in the Midwest unfortunately.

[catsylve]

Unfortunately, Lambert Airport was not the only area that was affected. I haven't
been up to see what is open yet, but our team was supposed to have a meeting Saturday morning at 9 am. However, I am watching news reports about shelters being set up in North County where several teams are located. I know that everyone in St. Louis is already working to clean up the airport so that we can have a great championship, but please also remember that their own lives are impacted as well and keep them in your prayers.

[Koko Ed]

From the look of the weatehr forcast it's going to be stormy leading up to but not during the championship. Hopefully nothing too severe will occur.

[skimoose]

ABC news just reported that the airport is shutdown indefinitely. Worst damage was to the main terminal partial roof loss and most doors and windows blown out.

I'm sure they will work quickly to form contingency plans, but it will be interesting traveling in and out of St. Louis for the next few days.

[ATannahill]

Looks like some people arn't resting over this weekend. http://frcdirector.blogspot.com/2011...eard-news.html

Good Morning Teams,

We're monitoring the situation in St. Louis and will keep you informed if we find it necessary to make any alterations to the Championship plans. Our hearts go out to the residents of St Louis. We are currently checking in with staff and contractors and are not aware of any injuries to the FIRST personnel already in the area.

4 days to Championship,
See you then!

[KathieK]

Airport news brief is scheduled for 11am eastern time on CNN. My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Saint Louis.

[BrendanB]

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/04/23/mis...ex.html?hpt=T1

[DoronS]

Even if they clean up the airport and open it up for arrivals, flights are still going to be backed up a lot... practice matches may be a little empty.

[1502fundraising]

For people who shipped their robots. I heard that all the crated robots are stored in a warehouse down their somewhere. Does anyone know where this warehouse is and what its state is?