Yes, that is pretty much standard procedure to close the 31's during a Nor'easter snowstorm. The wind is stff from the NE for the duration of the storm, and it doesn't shift to the NW until the storm passes. JFK is equipped to perform snow removal sufficient to keep two runways open during a typical snowstorm (varies with depth, weight, weather), so the 4's are maintained and the 31's are not addressed until its time to get ready for the wind shift. (To minimize interfering with 4L operations, they usually start with plowing 31L from Taxiway K westward, which still gives a 11,000' runway.)



It's a very critical call when to move the snow removal operation from the 4's to the 31's because once that is underway, the 4's deteriorate. If the wind doesn't shift at the expected time, the 4's could deteriorate to the point where they have to be closed, and the 31's are pressed into service even with the NE crosswind. On the other hand, if the wind shifts before expected, then the 31's will not be ready in time and operations stay on the 4's even with the NW crosswind.



Newark faces pretty much the same considerations with Runway 29, which is also closed during the main portion of a Nor'easter. And Boston, the same with the switch from their 4L/4R pair to Runways 27 and 33R.

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I think that they closed the 13/31's for a while too to clear snow, so they were just using 4R!! Pretty crasy day at JFK. great day for spotting.

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Very complicated subject. Depending on type of snow, depth, and weather conditions, some combination of the following is used: brushes, plows of many shapes and sizes, blowers, loaders, melters, chemical applicators, sanders, friction testers.



A major snow removal operation requires closure of the runway or taxiway involved. The time it takes depends on the depth and weight of the snow, on weather conditions, and on the capabilities and numbers of equipment and operators.



A minor touch-up, such as a quick pass down the centerline with sweepers, can be done between aircraft operations with clearance from ATC. Another complication is remaining clear of the ILS critical areas for the landing runway if ceiling is less than 800' or visibility is less than 2 miles.

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I'm sure that the answer is really obvious but can someone tell me how the airports clear the runways of snow and ice especially in the peak hours of traffic.