Recent snowfall in the Chicago area has caused significant disruptions on the roads and at O’Hare International Airport. The snow began falling overnight from Saturday to Sunday, peaking between 9 p.m. and midnight. By Sunday morning, conditions worsened as officials reported hazardous road conditions.
Snow Accumulation and Forecast
Between 2 and 4 inches of snow accumulated in most areas, with isolated totals exceeding 4 inches, particularly north of Interstate 80. The National Weather Service reported notable snowfall amounts by 6 a.m. on Sunday:
- Wadsworth: 5 inches
- Batavia: 4.1 inches
- O’Hare: 4 inches
- Midway: 3.6 inches
- Homer Glen: 1.8 inches
- Romeoville: 1.7 inches
Weather expert Jaisol Martinez indicated that the best time for residents to clear their driveways was Sunday morning, as temperatures were expected to drop later in the day.
Effects on Transportation
The snowfall created dangerous driving conditions, prompting the Office of Emergency Management and Communications to advise drivers to exercise caution. Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation activated a Phase II snow program, deploying over 220 salt spreaders across the city.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) services were also affected, with buses temporarily rerouted away from DuSable Lake Shore Drive due to severe weather. Major delays were reported as a result of traffic congestion.
Delays and Cancellations at O’Hare Airport
The snowfall significantly impacted air travel. A ground stop was issued at O’Hare between 7:53 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported an ongoing ground delay until 9 p.m. that day, with flight delays averaging 158 minutes.
By early afternoon, 236 flights had been canceled at O’Hare, while Chicago Midway International Airport saw two cancellations, with minimal delays reported.
Historical Snowfall Data
This winter season has already recorded 17.1 inches of snow, representing the fastest start since 1978. Comparatively, only 17.6 inches fell throughout the previous winter. The current snowfall marks the fifth highest total for this period in history.
Upcoming Weather Forecast
Looking ahead, more snow is anticipated throughout the week, along with a marked temperature drop on Saturday. Residents can expect light snow Monday evening and a mix of rain and snow on Tuesday. Additional snow showers are forecast for the remainder of the week.
