The Kansas City Chiefs were stranded at Kansas City International Airport as an ice storm shut down operations.
Departing from Kansas City International Airport, the Chiefs headed to Denver for their upcoming game after being stranded on the tarmac for about four hours due to an ice storm. The weather conditions were worsened by an approaching blizzard which led to flight delays.
Despite efforts to expedite their departure, the team had to wait for the delayed arrival of their plane. Just before takeoff, airport authorities suspended all flight activities due to the rapid accumulation of ice. Fortunately, there was a small window between the ice storm and the impending heavy snow, allowing for necessary preparations to be made.
During this break in the weather, the aircraft was de-iced, the runway was cleared, and the Chiefs were finally able to take off for their destination. The region was bracing for continued snowfall on Sunday while the team managed to navigate through the challenging weather conditions for their game in Denver.
Their chartered jet was the first to depart once airport operations resumed.
The Chiefs (15-1) have clinched the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye, rendering their regular-season finale moot for them. But the game has significant meaning for Denver, which could clinch its own playoff berth with a win.
Earlier this week, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he planned to rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes, meaning backup Carson Wentz will get the start. The Chiefs also declared right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) out, while stars such as defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce were expected to get the game off.
The Chiefs will have to wait to find out their playoff opponent. The earliest they would play in the divisional round is Jan. 18.
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