CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) – A powerful storm system that swept through the Chicago area Sunday caused widespread travel disruptions, grounded more than a thousand flights and forced some suburban schools to cancel classes Monday as snow and strong winds moved in overnight.
Thunderstorms and wind gusts topping 60 miles per hour moved across the region Sunday afternoon and evening, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to issue temporary ground stops and delays at O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.
According to the Chicago Department of Aviation, more than 1,000 flights were canceled at O’Hare in a 24-hour period, while more than 100 were canceled at Midway as storms and high winds disrupted operations. Delays lasting several hours were also reported.
Air travel was further complicated by ongoing staffing concerns at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints during the partial federal government shutdown, officials said.
As the storm system moved out of the area late Sunday, temperatures dropped quickly and rain transitioned to snow across northern Illinois. The National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories for much of the Chicago area, with 1 to 3 inches of snow possible in the city and higher totals near the Wisconsin state line.
Strong winds were expected to create blowing snow and reduced visibility during the Monday morning commute, particularly in areas northwest of Chicago.
The approaching winter conditions also prompted several suburban school districts to close Monday, including Genoa-Kingston School District in Genoa and Hiawatha District 426 in Kirkland. Other schools in McHenry and DeKalb counties also announced closures as a blizzard warning took effect in parts of the region.
Chicago officials said crews from the Department of Streets and Sanitation were monitoring major roadways, bridges and Lake Shore Drive overnight to keep routes clear for emergency vehicles and commuters.