Chicago's O'Hare and Midway Airports were hit with delays on Friday afternoon as a lake-effect snow brought several inches of snow to the Chicago area.
A ground stop has been in effect at O'Hare since around 2:10 p.m., causing departure delays to average over an hour and five minutes, with some flights experiencing even longer waits. Midway Airport is also seeing significant delays, with departures averaging about 35 minutes and increasing. In contrast, arrival delays are averaging a more manageable 45 minutes.
The snowstorm began around 9 a.m. Friday, initially expected to taper off by early afternoon before intensifying again in the evening and into Saturday. However, the National Weather Service warned that areas closer to Lake Michigan could see up to six inches of snow, with O'Hare and Midway airports expecting between two to four inches.
Travelers are being advised to exercise caution due to hazardous conditions, with snowfall rates potentially reaching over two inches per hour overnight. Meteorologist Kevin Doom cautioned against traveling during the storm, citing reduced visibility as a significant risk factor. However, he also urged drivers to take necessary precautions if they must commute.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Cook, DuPage, Lake, and southern Will counties until 4 p.m. Saturday, with a winter storm watch set to begin at 6 p.m. Friday and end at noon Saturday. Meanwhile, northwest Indiana is under a winter storm warning, where snowfall totals could reach double digits.
As the weather continues to deteriorate, air travel in and around Chicago remains severely impacted, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or facing lengthy delays.
A ground stop has been in effect at O'Hare since around 2:10 p.m., causing departure delays to average over an hour and five minutes, with some flights experiencing even longer waits. Midway Airport is also seeing significant delays, with departures averaging about 35 minutes and increasing. In contrast, arrival delays are averaging a more manageable 45 minutes.
The snowstorm began around 9 a.m. Friday, initially expected to taper off by early afternoon before intensifying again in the evening and into Saturday. However, the National Weather Service warned that areas closer to Lake Michigan could see up to six inches of snow, with O'Hare and Midway airports expecting between two to four inches.
Travelers are being advised to exercise caution due to hazardous conditions, with snowfall rates potentially reaching over two inches per hour overnight. Meteorologist Kevin Doom cautioned against traveling during the storm, citing reduced visibility as a significant risk factor. However, he also urged drivers to take necessary precautions if they must commute.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Cook, DuPage, Lake, and southern Will counties until 4 p.m. Saturday, with a winter storm watch set to begin at 6 p.m. Friday and end at noon Saturday. Meanwhile, northwest Indiana is under a winter storm warning, where snowfall totals could reach double digits.
As the weather continues to deteriorate, air travel in and around Chicago remains severely impacted, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or facing lengthy delays.
. Can you believe they're expecting up to 6 inches of snow? That's crazy! 
And now everyone's stuck at the airport because of it... I feel bad for all those travelers who were supposed to be home by now. The forecast said the storm would taper off, but guess what - it just got worse 
. I guess that's what happens when you live in a place with lakes, right? 
Anyway, I'm glad the National Weather Service is warning people about the hazardous conditions... hopefully everyone stays safe out there! 
! And now thousands of passengers are stuck or facing even longer waits... just great, what a way to start the weekend 
Not making sense to me when they're both basically crippled by this weather.
snow can be super unforgiving 
airports should really prep staff for these kinda situations better 
. I felt bad for all the people stuck at the airport, poor them! 
The snowstorm really brought everything to a standstill, huh? I mean, who expects a lake-effect snow to hit an entire city in just a few hours? 
It's crazy how quickly things can change weather-wise. Anyway, hope everyone gets back on track soon 
Can't believe the storm came in sooner than expected, just when people were finally getting back to normal after all those cancellations last year. 
Weather forecasters better step it up, 'cause this snow is piling up fast! 
And now everyone's stuck on the road or stuck at O'Hare/Midway... just not what anyone wants to deal with, especially when you're already running late. 
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anyway, meteorologist kevin doom said its not a good idear to travel during dis time cuz visibility is pretty low 
! A ground stop at O'Hare since 2:10 p.m.? That's crazy 
.
. Can't even grab a coffee without freezing 
... not worth risking life and limb, you know? 
Stay safe, Chicago! 
The ground stop at O'Hare is ridiculous, an hour and five minutes is like, forever. Can't they just get it together for one day?! 
. Just stay indoors, grab a hot cuppa, and let the weather handle itself, ya know? 
. It's crazy how quickly a little snow can turn the whole city into a mess. I've had my fair share of flying issues, and it's just not fun to deal with delays & cancellations. On the bright side, the roads aren't too bad where I am, so at least I'm safe 
️. Maybe grab a coffee or something and make the most of your unexpected layover 
! Just got home from work and I'm stuck here because my flight got delayed by like an hour 
. I feel sorry for those who have to commute during this storm, snowfall rates are crazy high overnight 
instead of sitting around at the airport 
.
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. what's next, will they be canceling flights because of a light dusting? 
anyway, gotta feel for all those passengers stuck in the airport 
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