Impact of East Coast storm on N.E. Wis.

ASHWAUBENON - The majority of the East Coast is pretty much shut down. Locally, we haven't had too much trouble with flights.
    
However, the storm is still a worry for those traveling by air and on the ground.
  
Business went on as usual at Austin Straubel International Airport in Ashwaubenon Friday.
    
However those trying to head east kept a close eye on the boards.

“So right now everything is still a go out in Philadelphia?” asked FOX 11’s Beth Jones.

“Yes, there's a possible delay in Chicago, but it says it's on time, but it's Chicago, so you never know. Just hoping to get back home tonight,” said Richard Cannuli of Philadelphia.

With thousands of fights canceled across the eastern seaboard, airport officials say it's a nightmare situation any airport dreads.

“We do depend heavily on every flight getting in and out in order to meet our maximum number of passengers pass through the facility on a regular basis. The airlines have been much more proactive when it comes to flights, such as canceling fights early if they anticipate some severe weather,” said Tom Miller, Austin Straubel International Airport director.

Trucking companies like Schneider National try to be proactive as well.

“Direct impact is going to be our Carlisle operating center, which is in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area. We know those folks are hunkering down so to speak,” said Janet Bonkowski, Schneider spokesperson.

Schneider officials say they started preparing for the storm by midweek, contacting both customers and drivers to check on closings and to try to reschedule orders.
    
Even though the storm may bring some business to a standstill, officials say safety comes first.
    
“We have approximately 500 drivers that are going to experience some kind of challenges. We tell them in training and in times like these, you're the captain of your own ship. So if you feel if is not longer safe to drive or no longer safe for you, the people around you, you absolutely have the ability to make your own decision to shutdown, stay safe,” said Bonkowski.
    
Schneider expects it'll take at least a few days before things return back to normal.
    
At this point, the company doesn't know how many orders the storm will impact.