Originally Posted by ClipperJet

I wasn't flying that day, and don't know what the pilots were looking at, but I'm thinking (in perfect 20/20 hindsight...) to look at using an alternate that isn't directly in the path of the huge snowstorm. Maybe use places like IAD, BWI, ACY, RIC, ORF, RDU, etc. as the alternate, even though they are farther away. It's not always possible, but that way, if you find yourself stuck on the ground in an overcrowded airport with no gates, you don't have to deal with a foot of blowing snow. You'd have the option to refuel at the FBO and go back to FLL w/o deicing and all the other weather issues.

Maybe not a option for these guys, but I'm putting that idea in my bag-o-tricks for the next time...