SEATAC was down to ONE operational runway on Nov. 22, AND they had a 747 skid off the end of that one runway.
As far as how long it takes anyone to travel somewhere in winter storm conditions, you have no idea if the crew was stuck in bad traffic because of a road accident, or other conditions you didn't face.
The agents can only pass along what they are told is the reasons.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/11/22...x.html?npt=NP1