Key Takeaways:
- Overnight snowfall in the Chicago area created hazardous road conditions and caused delays at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Sunday.
- 2-4 inches of snow accumulation is expected for most areas, with some isolated higher totals north of Interstate 80.
- Snow totals ranged from 1.7 to 5 inches in various parts of the Chicago area.
- The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation activated a Phase II snow program, with over 220 salt spreaders working to clear roads.
- Flight cancellations and delays were reported at O’Hare International Airport, with 236 flights canceled as of 1:17 p.m. Sunday.
- This winter’s snowfall is the quickest start to winter since 1978, with 17.1 inches of snow fallen since the beginning of the snowfall season.
Introduction to the Snowfall
The Chicago area experienced a significant snowfall overnight, resulting in hazardous road conditions and disruptions to public transportation. According to ABC7 Chicago AccuWeather Meteorologist Jaisol Martinez, the snow started falling between 9 p.m. Saturday and midnight, and stopped between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Sunday. The snowfall was heaviest in areas north of Interstate 80, with some areas receiving up to 5 inches of snow.
Snowfall Totals and Road Conditions
The snowfall totals varied across the Chicago area, with Wadsworth receiving 5 inches, Batavia receiving 4.1 inches, and O’Hare International Airport receiving 4 inches. The snowfall caused hazardous driving conditions, with roads becoming slick and snow-covered. The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation activated a Phase II snow program, with over 220 salt spreaders working to clear roads. Drivers were advised to slow down and use caution, and to give plows plenty of space as they worked to clear area roads.
Impact on Public Transportation
The snowfall also disrupted public transportation, with the CTA reporting that bus services were temporarily rerouted off of DuSable Lake Shore Drive due to severe weather conditions. No buses were running between Outer Lake Shore Drive, Hollywood, and 67th Street, and disrupted routes may experience major delays from congestion. The CTA encouraged riders to consider using L trains as an alternative.
Flight Delays and Cancellations
The snowfall also impacted air travel, with a ground stop at O’Hare International Airport due to snow or ice from 7:53 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s website, there was also a ground delay at O’Hare due to snow or ice from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, with delays averaging 158 minutes. The city’s FlyChicago website reported that 236 flights had been canceled at O’Hare as of 1:17 p.m. Sunday, with two flights canceled at Chicago Midway International Airport.
Comparison to Previous Years
This winter’s snowfall is the quickest start to winter since 1978, with 17.1 inches of snow fallen since the beginning of the snowfall season. This is also the fifth most snowfall on record between July 1 and December 7. The 30-year average annual snowfall for Chicago is 38.4 inches, and with 17.1 inches already fallen, the city has already picked up almost the entire amount of snow that fell last winter.
Future Weather Forecast
More snow is in the forecast for this week, with light snow expected on Monday night, a light morning mix on Tuesday, and rain to snow expected on Wednesday. Snow showers are forecast for Thursday, and Friday could see some PM snow. Temperatures are expected to take a drastic dip on Saturday, with colder weather expected to move into the area. It is essential for residents to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the winter weather.