Severe weather swept through the Chicago area on Monday, forcing ground stops at both O'Hare and Midway airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued the ground stops as fierce thunderstorms rolled into the region, posing significant hazards.
O'Hare and Midway Airports Affected
As of 3:58 p.m., flights departing to O'Hare International Airport were temporarily suspended due to the thunderstorms. The FAA initially projected the ground stop to last until 5:30 p.m., indicating a “medium” (30-60%) probability of extension. Similarly, departures to Midway Airport were halted at 4:08 p.m., with an expected lift time also set for 5:30 p.m. and a similar chance of extension.
Severe Weather Warnings
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued severe thunderstorm warnings and watches for a large portion of the Chicago metropolitan area. The primary threats associated with these storms included a non-zero tornado risk, potentially damaging winds reaching up to 70 miles per hour, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of hail.
Flash Flood Risk
In addition to the dangers of strong winds and possible tornadoes, much of the Chicago area faces an elevated risk of flash flooding. Many locations were already saturated from heavy rainfall experienced Saturday night and Sunday morning, increasing the vulnerability to further precipitation, according to NWS officials. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of severe weather.
Stay tuned to NBC 5 and local news outlets for the latest updates on the weather situation and airport operations.