CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Hundreds of flights were canceled at Chicago’s airports as thunderstorms moved through the region during Thursday’s morning commute.
The storms moved into the area shortly after 8 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Heavy downpours, pea-sized hail, frequent lightning and isolated wind gusts up to 40 or 50 mph are possible.
Thunderstorms continue to track across the area this morning. Approximate arrival times of the main line of storms are shown. Gusty winds to 50 mph, locally very heavy rainfall, and small hail will be possible with this activity. pic.twitter.com/q3P9J2bxqz
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago)
July 18, 2019 As of 10:15 a.m., 530 flights were canceled at O’Hare International Airport with delays averaging 81 minutes, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation. At Midway International Airport, 39 flights were canceled and delays were averaging 27 minutes.
Due to thunderstorms moving through the Chicago area, airlines at O’Hare are reporting avg delays of 60 min and have cancelled nearly 300 flights. Check flight status w/ carrier.
— O'Hare Intl. Airport (@fly2ohare)
July 18, 2019 A flood advisory is in effect until 11:15 a.m. for a large section of northern Illinois stretching from Chicago and the north suburbs to DeKalb, according to the weather service.
The rain will likely keep temperatures cooler through Thursday morning before a dangerous heat wave hits the region. Thursday’s temperatures could climb to near 90 near the lakeshore and as high as 97 inland, with humidity making it feel like 96 to 110 degrees, according tot he weather service.
An “excessive heat” warning is in effect for the area from Thursday afternoon to Saturday evening.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire & Chicago Sun-Times 2019. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
