Travelers at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport faced massive delays and cancellations Sunday after a record-breaking winter storm hit the Great Lakes region. Hundreds of flights were affected, leaving travelers like 76-year-old Don Herrian of Oklahoma stranded as he tried to return home from a family visit in Indianapolis.
Record Snowfall Hits Airport
O’Hare received 8.4 inches (21.34 centimeters) of snow on Saturday, setting a new record for the highest single-day November snowfall at the airport. The previous record of 8 inches (20.32 centimeters) had stood since Nov. 6, 1951. Snowfall around Lake Michigan exceeded 12 inches (30 centimeters), with Fort Dodge, Iowa, recording over 16 inches (40 centimeters).
Flights Delayed and Canceled
By early evening Sunday, about 300 flights were canceled and roughly 1,600 delayed at O’Hare, according to FlightAware. Other airports also faced disruptions: Detroit Metro saw 400 delayed flights and 45 canceled, while planes were being de-iced at Washington National and Minneapolis–Saint Paul airports.
Travelers Struggle Indoors
Passengers crowded gate areas, restaurants, and sports bars to wait out delays, while some resorted to resting on terminal floors. Herrian, who experienced multiple delays, said, “It is what it is. It’s congested but that’s expected due to the snow, the delays and the holidays.”
Roads and Utilities Affected
Roads near O’Hare remained congested despite snow clearing efforts. In Wisconsin, over 6,000 people lost power, particularly in Milwaukee and South Milwaukee, as utility crews worked to restore service. Gusty winds in Iowa blew snow back onto roads, worsening travel hazards.
Community and Holiday Impact
Hundreds of churches in western Michigan advised worshippers to attend services online due to snow. Christmas tree lots and other seasonal activities were affected, with residents braving icy conditions to continue traditions.
Meteorologists Warn of More Storms
Meteorologist Andrew Orrison noted that while snow in the Great Lakes region was tapering, a new storm was heading toward the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, potentially bringing up to a foot (30 centimeters) of snow by Tuesday. He added, “It’s going to be the first snowfall of the season for many of these areas, and it’s going to be rather significant.”