Chicago snowstorm triggers 600+ O’Hare cancellations and widespread delays

A winter storm disrupted air travel in Chicago on Saturday morning. By 9:45 a.m., O’Hare recorded 627 cancellations and 331 delays with an average delay of about 37 minutes. The FAA implemented a ground delay at O’Hare of roughly five hours after lifting a short ground stop. Midway reported 76 cancellations by 9:50 a.m., with most delays under 15 minutes. Weather authorities warned of heavy snow and strong winds, and city crews deployed over 220 salt spreaders. A winter storm warning remained in effect through early Sunday.

A powerful winter storm moving through the Midwest caused significant disruption at Chicago’s two major airports on Saturday morning. By 9:45 a.m., O’Hare International Airport reported 627 flight cancellations and 331 delays, with average delays of approximately 37 minutes. The Federal Aviation Administration implemented a ground delay program at O’Hare lasting about five hours. An earlier ground stop was lifted by 9:45 a.m.

At Midway Airport, the impact was smaller but still notable. By 9:50 a.m., the airport recorded 76 cancellations and various short delays generally under 15 minutes. According to airport figures, cancellations represented roughly 46% of scheduled flights at O’Hare and about 29% at Midway at that time.

Forecasters expected up to 10 inches of snow across the region, intensifying both air and road travel challenges. The National Weather Service cautioned that travel could become very difficult to impossible due to heavy snow and strong winds, which also raised the risk of scattered power outages.

On the ground, the City of Chicago deployed more than 220 salt spreaders overnight to keep primary routes, bridges, and DuSable Lake Shore Drive open. A winter storm warning remained in effect through early Sunday, and airport officials said delays could worsen into the afternoon as snowfall intensified.

Key facts at a glance:
- O’Hare: 627 cancellations; 331 delays; average delay about 37 minutes.
- FAA: Ground delay program at O’Hare of roughly five hours; brief ground stop lifted by 9:45 a.m.
- Midway: 76 cancellations; delays generally under 15 minutes.
- Weather: Up to 10 inches of snow expected; strong winds possible.
- Advisory: Winter storm warning through early Sunday; potential for worsening delays.

Travelers using Chicago’s airports should anticipate disruption and monitor airline communications and airport advisories closely as conditions evolve.