CHICAGO (WLS) — More than 400 flights have been canceled at Chicago airports on Sunday, with extensive delays impacting travelers.
Meanwhile, Chicagoans have just about entered hibernation with not many people walking around the city Sunday night. Drivers were already feeling the impact with some shaky conditions on the road as flights in and out of O’Hare Airport have been a mess all day.
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As of 6:42 p.m., 415 flights have been canceled at Chicago O’Hare International Airport with delays averaging 49 minutes.
Delays are averaging 42 minutes at Chicago Midway International Airport, but only 28 flights have been canceled there.
This comes as more than 2,100 flights have been canceled nationwide on Sunday, mostly because of the government shutdown and the Federal Aviation Administration’s order to reduce air traffic.
The slowdown at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, O’Hare included, is now in its third day and beginning to cause more widespread disruptions. That includes more than 7,000 additional delays Sunday alone, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks air travel disruptions.
There is a ground delay at O’Hare due to runway construction from 7:45 a.m. to 9:59 p.m. Sunday, the Federal Aviation Administration website says.
Snow could also become an issue at Chicago’s airports, as a Winter Storm Warning is set to go into effect in Cook County at 9 p.m.
Parts of the Chicago area could see several inches of snow Sunday night into Monday.
Everyone is now bracing for a long winter ahead.
“I have my jacket and my scarf and I’m still not ready for it I need my gloves and my hat,” Laura Klein said.
It’s always a harsh reminder walking outside ahead of the first winter storm of the season. The first snowfall arrived Saturday night into early Sunday, with more flurries coming down Sunday evening.
“Oh my God, it’s just come out of nowhere, but this is Chicago and things change every day,” Jim Perlman said.
Even for lifelong Chicagoans, the first wave of blistering weather is always tough to take in.
“We had a beautiful fall and we live in Chicago, so it’s a reality, but I’d rather it be in December and January… not November,” David Feldman said.
Some parts of Chicago may see a few inches of snow overnight with the potential for a treacherous morning commute.
“Feeling the weather I’m not ready for it I think it’s a little bit too early and I’m not ready for the snow at all so I’m hoping we don’t get much,” Klein said.
The incoming storm, combined with the FAA reduction in operations this week, has also made air travel quite frustrating coming in and out of Chicago.
Some travelers decided to ditch their flights and hit the road instead so they can beat the storm.
“We have a three hour delay so far on our flight,” Ilysse Ratner said. “Our friends have a six hour delay on her flight. Another friend got canceled, so we’re going to rent a car and drive home.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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