Residents of Chicago’s surrounding areas were caught off guard by a sudden hailstorm that rolled in on Wednesday afternoon. The swift storm battered several suburbs, leaving in its wake a trail of minor damage and transportation disruptions.
According to eyewitnesses and CNN reports https://www.cnn.com, the intense brief storm was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of weather patterns in the area. Weather experts were quick to caution that similar storms could occur in the future.
Disruptions to Flight Schedules
Metra and commuter rail services in the affected areas experienced some service delays. Similarly, O’Hare and Midway International Airports took notice, with some flights altering their departure schedules. Seen NBC Chicago report that flight schedules were not the only thing that got influenced by storm.
It is reported Chicago Tribune 213 passengers were forced to take an overnight stay due to cancellations while 28 flights delayed by more than 2 hours post-storm.
Storm’s Brunt Felt Across the Suburbs
Cook County’s Orland Park, Tinley Park, along with neighboring Oak Lawn and Palos Hills, bore the brunt of the storm. Flights at nearby airports took a hit, with weather-related delays impacting over 450 passengers. O’Hare, one of the largest airports in the world, saw its operations affected by the Friday tempest.
Weather forecasters alerted about potential incoming thunderstorms, but despite the advance warning, the storm’s rapid growth caught many off guard; while workers and residents took shelter, planes on the runway were grounded until it passed.
Preparing for the Worst: Tips for Travelers
Weather-related flight cancelations and delays are unfortunate possibilities no matter where your destination is. While Chicago is one of the most popular travel spot here are some traveller safety tips to keep in mind while Air travel.
Stay up-to-date on flight schedules and any related travel advisories for potential disruption and keeps your electronic devices handy, fully charged, and accessible for updates on top weather reporting agencies, keeping abreast of changing weather patterns, and forming your own disaster spontaneity plans.
