Chicago’s 8-inch snowfall stranded 1,200 holiday travelers
Record-breaking winter storm dumps up to 8 inches, stranding thousands of travelers at major airports
A punishing winter storm descended upon the Chicago metropolitan area Saturday, blanketing the region in heavy snowfall that disrupted holiday travel plans for thousands and threatened to make history as one of the snowiest November days on record. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning across most counties until early Sunday morning, with accumulations reaching up to 8 inches in some areas.
By early evening, O’Hare International Airport had recorded 6.9 inches of snow, inching dangerously close to the city’s record for the snowiest November day—8 inches on Nov. 6, 1951. The second-place holder, Nov. 26, 1975, saw 7.5 inches. Several suburban communities, including Barrington, had already surpassed that benchmark by Saturday night, measuring at least 7.5 inches.
Transportation chaos grips region
The storm’s impact on air travel proved catastrophic. O’Hare reported 1,208 flight cancellations by 9 p.m., with average delays stretching to 43 minutes. Midway International Airport fared slightly better but still recorded 246 cancellations and 24-minute delays. The disruptions came during what AAA projects will be a record-breaking travel weekend, with more than 4 million people traversing the region—nearly 2 percent more than last year.
Ground transportation fared no better. Highways throughout the metropolitan area became treacherous gauntlets of snow and ice. Multiple spinouts occurred in Dundee and Waukegan, while emergency crews in Winnetka assisted a stranded family whose vehicle had slid into a ditch. The hazardous conditions extended beyond Illinois borders—a massive 45-vehicle pileup on Interstate 70 near Terre Haute, Indiana, forced authorities to close portions of the interstate for several hours, though miraculously, no serious injuries were reported.
Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, warning that accumulations across the state could reach between 8 to 12 inches. She emphasized that the region was entering the most dangerous phase of the storm and encouraged people to stay home if possible.
City mobilizes snow response
Chicago’s Streets and Sanitation Department deployed crews to clear main arterials first, prioritizing routes for emergency vehicles and public transportation. Commissioner Cole Stallard explained the strategy focused on ensuring police, fire, ambulance, and bus services could continue operating on major thoroughfares before transitioning to residential streets once the main arteries were cleared.
The storm’s timing proved particularly challenging, striking during the crucial post-Thanksgiving travel period when highways and airports typically see their highest volumes. Meteorologists tracking the system warned that dangerous conditions could extend throughout the Midwest and reach the East Coast, potentially affecting thousands more travelers heading home.
Silver linings for tourism
Despite the transportation nightmare, some visitors embraced the wintry spectacle. The storm transformed Chicago into a picturesque winter wonderland, much to the delight of tourists from warmer climates. Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza maintained steady crowds throughout the day, with visitors braving long lines to experience the festive atmosphere amid falling snow.
Daniel Fridman, visiting from St. Louis, expressed his excitement about the unexpected weather, noting that he saw the morning snowfall as the perfect backdrop for exploring the city. David Gillanders, traveling from California, shared similar enthusiasm, explaining that while he occasionally experienced snow during ski trips, the opportunity to walk through an urban environment during active snowfall felt extraordinary and unlike anything he experienced at home.
However, Christkindlmarket organizers took precautionary measures, closing the Aurora location at 2 p.m. and the Wrigleyville site at 4 p.m. The downtown Chicago market remained open until its regular 9 p.m. closing time.
Not everyone shared the tourists’ enthusiasm. Long-time Chicago residents viewed the storm with weary resignation, expressing their disdain for winter weather while acknowledging their deep love for the city that keeps them rooted despite the harsh seasonal conditions.
Some travelers found unexpected silver linings in the disruption. Clay Fidler from Arkansas noted that while his flight cancellation was frustrating, it meant an extra day to enjoy the city and experience Chicago during the snowfall.
Athletic events postponed
The storm forced significant scheduling changes for high school athletics. Illinois State University announced Friday that all Class 5A-8A Football State Championship games scheduled for Saturday would be postponed. The affected matchups—St. Francis vs. Providence Catholic (5A), Fenwick vs. East St. Louis (6A), St. Rita vs. Brother Rice (7A), and Mount Carmel vs. Oswego (8A)—were rescheduled across two venues and dates. The 5A and 6A games will take place Tuesday at ISU, while the 7A and 8A contests move to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb on Wednesday.
Forecast ahead
Meteorologists predicted the heaviest snowfall would occur between noon and 8 p.m. Saturday, with wind gusts reaching up to 30 mph. Areas north and west of downtown Chicago were expected to receive more than 8 inches, while the city itself and Northwest Indiana communities braced for 5 to 8 inches.
As the snow system exits the region, bitter cold will settle in Sunday, with overnight temperatures plunging into single digits. Some areas may experience a brief transition from snow to rain Saturday night into Sunday morning before the arctic air mass takes hold, setting the stage for a prolonged cold snap that will remind residents winter has arrived with full force.
Source: ABC7 Eyewitness
