Key Takeaways
- A winter storm warning has been issued for the Chicago area, with up to 10 inches of snow expected by Sunday midmorning.
- Nearly 1,000 flights have been canceled at Chicago airports, with 960 cancellations at O’Hare International Airport and 188 at Midway International Airport.
- The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation has deployed over 220 salt spreaders to keep roads safe and passable.
- Travelers are advised to use caution and be prepared for slippery travel, with peak snow rates expected between 12 PM and 8 PM on Saturday.
- The city’s warming centers are open, and residents are urged to check on seniors and others needing special assistance.
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The Chicago area is experiencing a significant winter storm, with nearly 1,000 flights canceled at Chicago airports as of Saturday afternoon. The storm has brought significant snowfall, with 3.2 inches reported at O’Hare International Airport and 2.5 inches at Midway International Airport. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning, which remains in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday. Travelers, such as Kate Paulsen, who was trying to catch a flight to Budapest, have been affected by the cancellations, with many unsure of what will happen to their plans.
Impact on Air Travel
The flight cancellations have had a significant impact on air travel, with many passengers facing delays or cancellations. Los Angeles resident Gail Edenson found herself sitting and waiting at O’Hare’s Terminal 2 after her flight home was delayed more than an hour due to the weather. As of Saturday afternoon, delays were reported to be around 73 minutes at O’Hare and 40 minutes at Midway. A ground delay was also issued at O’Hare, with some flights delayed by more than five hours. The Federal Aviation Administration has advised travelers to check with their airlines for the latest information on flight cancellations and delays.
Snowfall and Road Conditions
The snowfall is expected to continue throughout Saturday, with the heaviest snowfall rate expected between Saturday afternoon and 8 p.m. The National Weather Service has warned that roads will be hazardous, and motorists should slow down and be aware of any drastic changes in visibility and snow in the roadway. The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation has deployed over 220 salt spreaders to keep roads safe and passable. Crews will continue to work into the afternoon, monitoring arterial streets, DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and bridges and overpasses.
Response from City Agencies
The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications has reported no major weather-related incidents as of Saturday midday. However, the agency has urged residents to check on seniors and others needing special assistance. The city’s warming centers are open, and residents are advised to use caution when traveling. The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation has extended its hours until tomorrow and Monday, depending on the weather. ComEd has not reported any unusual electrical outages that are storm-related, and no significant spikes in calls have come in to the city’s 311 center.
Impact on Local Residents and Businesses
The winter storm has also had an impact on local residents and businesses. Pacific Gardens Mission, a homeless shelter in the West Loop neighborhood, has reported a "100 percent" uptick in people needing their help in the storm. The shelter has canceled Saturday events due to the inclement weather and is preparing for an influx of people seeking refuge. Local hardware stores, such as Ave Hardware in Edgebrook, have reported an increase in sales of salt, shovels, and space heaters as residents prepare for the storm. Meanwhile, hospitals have not reported an increase in weather-related illnesses or injuries as of Saturday afternoon.
Conclusion and Updates
The winter storm is expected to continue throughout Saturday, with significant snowfall and hazardous road conditions. Travelers are advised to use caution and be prepared for slippery travel, and residents are urged to check on seniors and others needing special assistance. The city’s warming centers are open, and residents can call 311 for assistance. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
