CHICAGO - - More than 50 flights at O'Hare Airport have been canceled Sunday because of low visibility and a winter weather advisory was issued in anticipation for Chicago’s first significant snowfall of the season.
Although Sunday’s daytime snow accumulation was less than an inch, low visibility in the Chicago area and weather conditions on the East coast caused more than 50 flights at O’Hare to be canceled as of 4 p.m Sunday. Delays are averaging between 30 and 60 minutes for flights in and out of the airport, according to the city’s Department of Aviation.
A Midway Airport, delays are averaging 15 to 45 minutes, but no cancellations have been reported.
Travelers are advised to contact their airline or check their airline’s Web site to check the status of their flight, the department said.
The National Weather Service is predicting a 90 percent chance of snow Sunday night. New accumulation of two to four inches is possible and some areas will see blowing snow. Temperatures will fall near 29 degrees with northwest winds gusting up to 25 miles per hour.
Another inch of snow accumulation is possible Monday morning. Total snow accumulation is expected to be between four and seven inches.
As a result, a winter weather advisory has been issued for north-central and north-east Illinois and will remain in effect until noon Monday, the weather service said. A winter weather advisory means accumulating snow will cause travel difficulties and snow-covered roads will limit visibilities.
The Illinois Department of Transportation has provided the following tips to keep motorists safe:
• Plan ahead
• Don’t crowd snowplows
• Watch for black ice
• Dress warmly
• Do not travel unless absolutely necessary
• Make sure someone is aware of your travel route
• Always carry an emergency car care kit
• Carry a cell phone
•Always wear a seatbelt
“Snow removal is a safety issue and a top priority for the Department,” IDOT Secretary Milton R. Sees said.
“IDOT has a proven track record of effective, timely snow and ice removals from our roadways and this year will be no different. Winter weather will be here soon enough, so it’s important for motorists to get ready now because Illinois weather can become dangerous in a matter of minutes.”
During the 2008 winter season, more than 3,900 IDOT employees and more than 1,900 pieces of equipment will be deployed as needed to keep state routes clear and passable. Last year, IDOT spent about $86 million on snow removal efforts, the release said.
In addition, the city's overnight parking ban, which goes into effect Monday morning and usually catches some residents off guard because of the absence of snow, may not seem as confusing as usual, given that this Dec. 1, there will likely be snow on the ground.
The city's overnight parking ban on 107 miles of streets goes back into effect at 3 a.m. Monday.
Motorists should also pay attention to the 2-inch snow restrictions that are technically in effect all year round, but realistically are only a factor during the winter months.
The ban is in effect from 3-7 a.m. regardless of snow, and the city's enforcement of the ban will begin at 3 a.m. Monday, whether or not there is snow on the streets. So, auto owners may want to check the street signs where their cars are parked Sunday night, because if they are parked on streets where the parking ban is in effect, their cars may not be there come Monday morning.
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