Chicago Airport Grounded as Lake-Effect Snow Wreaks Havoc on Travel Plans
A severe winter storm has crippled air travel in the Chicago area, forcing a ground stop at O'Hare Airport and causing widespread delays across both airports.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for departures at O'Hare around 2:10 p.m. Friday due to snow or ice on the runway. Delays have been mounting throughout the day, with arrivals averaging a 45-minute wait time. Meanwhile, Midway Airport has seen departure delays averaging about 35 minutes, increasing in duration.
The Chicago area received several inches of lake-effect snow, with areas closer to Lake Michigan expected to see up to 6 inches of accumulation. O'Hare and Midway airports are forecasted to receive 2-4 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
Travelers can expect hazardous road conditions due to heavy snowfall rates reaching over 2 inches per hour overnight. Meteorologist Kevin Doom warned that these lake-effect bands can be tricky to predict, often shifting and causing reduced visibility.
"We're advising people not to travel during the storm unless absolutely necessary," Doom said. "However, if you do have to commute, please exercise caution."
With a winter weather advisory in effect until 4 p.m. Saturday for several counties surrounding Chicago, residents are bracing themselves for potentially treacherous conditions on the roads.
As for air travel, expect further disruptions as the storm system moves into the region on Friday evening and persists through the weekend.
A severe winter storm has crippled air travel in the Chicago area, forcing a ground stop at O'Hare Airport and causing widespread delays across both airports.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for departures at O'Hare around 2:10 p.m. Friday due to snow or ice on the runway. Delays have been mounting throughout the day, with arrivals averaging a 45-minute wait time. Meanwhile, Midway Airport has seen departure delays averaging about 35 minutes, increasing in duration.
The Chicago area received several inches of lake-effect snow, with areas closer to Lake Michigan expected to see up to 6 inches of accumulation. O'Hare and Midway airports are forecasted to receive 2-4 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
Travelers can expect hazardous road conditions due to heavy snowfall rates reaching over 2 inches per hour overnight. Meteorologist Kevin Doom warned that these lake-effect bands can be tricky to predict, often shifting and causing reduced visibility.
"We're advising people not to travel during the storm unless absolutely necessary," Doom said. "However, if you do have to commute, please exercise caution."
With a winter weather advisory in effect until 4 p.m. Saturday for several counties surrounding Chicago, residents are bracing themselves for potentially treacherous conditions on the roads.
As for air travel, expect further disruptions as the storm system moves into the region on Friday evening and persists through the weekend.
like they're literally at a standstill rn flight delays are gettin crazy 45min+ wait times for arrivals 
and midway airport is no better departures are delayed by about 35min and its only gonna get worse as the storm keeps rollin in 
i feel bad for all the people tryin to travel and get back home for the holidays 
lets just hope everyone stays safe out there 
how do we get to relax during winter breaks? airports are always a mess when it snows lol. they should've seen it coming who doesn't know about lake-effect snow? 
anyway, stay safe if u have to travel today and dont say im not warnin u about the roads 
can u even believe what's happening at chicago airport rn?!?! 
they're grounded like a plane! no flights departin anywhere! i was supposed to fly out to LA for my bday celebration and now its gonna be cancelled 
all cuz of lake effect snow! 
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