Hundreds of Flights Disrupted as Winter Storm Hits Great Lakes Region
Travelers faced significant disruptions on Sunday as a winter storm wreaked havoc across the Great Lakes region, leading to numerous flight delays and cancellations in Chicago. As conditions worsened with a mix of rain and snow in the Northeast, many were left scrambling for alternate travel arrangements.
Why It Matters
The impact of severe winter weather extends beyond immediate travel disruptions, highlighting the challenges of seasonal weather variability and the operational strain on airlines and utilities. With thousands of flights affected just after the Thanksgiving holiday, the situation underscores the importance of preparedness for unexpected weather events, especially during peak travel times.
Key Developments
- Flight Disruptions: O’Hare International Airport in Chicago experienced over 270 flight cancellations and about 1,200 delays by midday Sunday.
- Record Snowfall: The National Weather Service reported a record snowfall of 8.4 inches at O’Hare on Saturday, surpassing a 72-year-old record.
- Power Outages: In Wisconsin, We Energies reported more than 6,000 outages, predominantly in the Milwaukee area, as heavy snow burdened power lines.
- Conditions Elsewhere: Des Moines Airport reopened after a flight slid off an icy runway, with no injuries reported. However, hazardous conditions persisted due to blowing snow.
Full Report
Disruptions in Chicago
As travelers returned home following the Thanksgiving weekend, O’Hare International Airport became a focal point for disruption. A significant winter storm led to the cancellation of more than 270 flights and delayed over 1,200 others. The Federal Aviation Administration noted that average departure delays stretched to nearly one hour as snow and ice accumulated.
Record Snowfall and Travel Hazards
On Saturday, Chicago set a record for the highest single-day November snowfall, with 8.4 inches documented at the airport. This figure broke the previous record of 8 inches set in 1951. As snow continued to affect the area on Sunday, more than 400 flights into and out of Detroit Metro Airport were reported delayed, alongside over 300 cancellations.
Utility Challenges in Wisconsin
In Milwaukee and South Milwaukee, We Energies responded to more than 6,000 power outages attributed to the weight of wet snow on power lines. Local residents described difficulty from both the storm and subsequent outages disrupting their plans over the busy holiday weekend.
Statewide Weather Conditions
The storm’s effects extended into Iowa, where heavy snowfall resulted in dangerous travel conditions. Meteorologist Andrew Orrison indicated that some areas in Iowa and Illinois reported snowfall exceeding one foot, with Fort Dodge receiving up to 15 inches. Although snow in the Great Lakes region was beginning to taper off, predictions indicated that a new storm system would bring further snow to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions by Tuesday.
Context & Previous Events
The winter storm follows a pattern of seasonal weather variability in the U.S. Historically, November has seen significant snowfall events, with the current Chicago record highlighting the potential for impactful winter weather during holiday travel. Past occurrences have often led to similar travel disruptions and utility challenges across the northern states.
