Key Takeaways
- The snowstorm that hit Chicago on Saturday was the snowiest November day ever recorded in the city, with over 8 inches of snow in some areas.
- The storm broke the daily snowfall record for November 29, with 8.4 inches of snow at O’Hare International Airport, surpassing the previous record of 3 inches set in 1942.
- The winter weather advisory was extended until noon on Sunday, with a band of snowfall expected to bring a quick coating of snow again.
- The storm had a significant impact on travel, with nearly 500 car crashes on Chicago-area expressways and over 1,300 flight cancellations at Chicago airports.
Introduction to the Snowstorm
The recent snowstorm that hit Chicago was indeed unusual for this time of year. According to the National Weather Service, Saturday was the snowiest November day ever recorded in the city, with some areas receiving over 8 inches of snow. The storm had a significant impact on the city, with O’Hare International Airport receiving 8.4 inches of snow as of Sunday morning, and Midway Airport receiving 6 inches. The National Weather Service reported that the storm was not yet over, with a winter weather advisory extended from 6 a.m. to noon on Sunday.
The Storm’s Impact on Travel
The storm had a significant impact on travel, both on the road and in the air. According to the Illinois State Police, nearly 500 car crashes occurred on Chicago-area expressways from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday. Of these crashes, 66 resulted in injuries, and state troopers assisted around 300 motorists who called for help on the road. The storm also caused significant disruptions to air travel, with over 1,300 flights canceled at Chicago airports on Saturday. As of Sunday morning, O’Hare Airport had reported 230 cancellations, while Midway Airport had 8, with an average delay of less than 15 minutes.
Record-Breaking Snowfall
The snowstorm broke the daily snowfall record for November 29, with 8.4 inches of snow at O’Hare International Airport. This surpasses the previous record of 3 inches set in 1942. According to Weather Service meteorologist Zachary Yak, Saturday was the snowiest November day since November 6, 1951, which saw 8 inches of snow. The storm’s snowfall was significant, with a band of snowfall expected to bring a quick coating of snow again on Sunday. Yak stated that the storm system would be finished by noon on Sunday.
The Storm’s Aftermath
The winter weather advisory was extended until noon on Sunday, with the National Weather Service warning of a band of snowfall that would bring a quick coating of snow again. As the city begins to recover from the storm, residents and travelers can expect some residual disruptions to travel. However, with the storm system expected to clear by noon on Sunday, conditions are likely to improve throughout the day. The city’s snow removal efforts will likely be in full swing, with crews working to clear roads and sidewalks of snow and ice. As the city returns to normal, residents and travelers can expect a return to more typical November weather, with temperatures expected to rise in the coming days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent snowstorm that hit Chicago was a significant event, breaking records and causing disruptions to travel. The storm’s impact was felt across the city, with nearly 500 car crashes and over 1,300 flight cancellations. However, with the storm system expected to clear by noon on Sunday, conditions are likely to improve throughout the day. As the city recovers from the storm, residents and travelers can expect a return to more typical November weather, with temperatures expected to rise in the coming days. The storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Chicago’s weather, and the importance of being prepared for unexpected weather events.