SEATTLE — Washington transportation officials warn your holiday travel plans may be messy as the state deals with rising COVID-19 cases and the potential for winter weather on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is urging riders to double-check schedules as routes are down and the number of passengers is up.
And add COVID into the mix, WSF said in a statement to KING 5: "We have a number of breakthrough COVID cases active in the fleet right now and this is further exacerbating efforts to find enough crew to operate boats,"
The City of Seattle is also grappling with COVID-related staffing issues as it preps for bitterly cold temperatures, wind, ice and snow.
"Omicron is hitting our city employee workforce,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan at a Thursday press conference.
Crews with the Seattle Department of Transportation and Seattle City Light are working around the clock in preparation for potential winter weather.
"These people who are working 24/7 really are picking up the load for those for those who can't come in,” Dukan said.
From city roads to state highways, a worker shortage has crews cautioning the importance of safe and prepared driving, especially when headed over snowy and potentially dangerous mountain passes.
"Being prepared, carrying chains, make sure you have good tires, if you're heading up through the passes, expect winter weather and plan for it,” said WSDOT Public Information Officer, Barbara LaBoe.
LaBoe said WSDOT is down 177 winter operations staff, making treacherous passes and lowland snow a tricky combination for crews.
"We are asking the public to be aware of that to understand it may take us a little longer to you know, clear roads or reopen a pass, and also to really do their part in helping us prevent closures and keeping traffic moving,” she said.
According to WSDOT, the worst day for travel on I-90 will be Sunday, December 26, with stop-and-go traffic expected in both directions between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.
"Pack some patience and if we all slow down and just focus on that we should get where we're going,” LaBoe said.
About 22 flights have been canceled so far at Sea-Tac International Airport, according to Flight Aware.
Several major airlines, including Alaska, Delta, and United said they were forced to cancel hundreds of flights after the omicron variant infected employees and crew members.
The airlines said they are working to re-book passengers before they get to the airport.