A significant winter storm is hitting the Midwest, creating travel chaos for those returning home after Thanksgiving.
Over 1,400 flights were impacted by cancellations. Millions were placed under weather alerts for much of Saturday due to the storm, as reported.
The situation at Chicago O’Hare International Airport has been particularly challenging, with more than 930 flights canceled and 750 delayed by Saturday afternoon. The FAA indicated that delays to O’Hare flights average about five hours because of snow and ice.
Meanwhile, Chicago Midway International Airport saw 187 cancellations and 85 delays, and both airports implemented ground stops.
The Chicago National Weather Service announced that more snow is anticipated from early Sunday into Monday, potentially making travel more perilous.
Reportedly, another winter storm is on its way to the Midwest and Great Lakes. Winter Storm Chan, as noted, is likely to bring significant ice and snow from Tuesday to Wednesday morning.
The storm is predicted to deliver fresh snowfall to the Midwest and Great Lakes starting Monday night, following Winter Storm Bellamy, which already dropped substantial amounts, including 8.4 inches at O’Hare—the heaviest November snowfall on record.
Travelers also faced challenges due to a pileup involving 45 cars on Interstate 70 in Putnamville, Indiana. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported.
A state police officer mentioned that a towing service was removing the vehicles involved and urged drivers to exercise caution in the adverse weather conditions.
According to the Weather Channel, there’s good news for kids; with temperatures not expected to rise above freezing, the snow is likely to stick around for a bit. An upper-level pattern is set to intensify cold air periodically, keeping the conditions chilly and unsettled across much of the Midwest and Great Lakes.
