Chicago Weather Alert: Ground Stop at O’Hare as Snow Hits Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will Counties With Travel Delays

Chicago and the surrounding counties are experiencing another round of winter weather, though accumulation is expected to remain light. The main challenge is the intermittent timing of snow, which has prompted the FAA to issue a ground stop at O’Hare International Airport.

Though snowfall amounts are minimal, the stop was issued to maintain safety as visibility changed rapidly on runways. Airport crews deployed snow plows and de-icing teams to maintain operations.

Airlines including United, American, and Delta warned passengers that delays could last several hours, particularly for flights arriving from other U.S. hubs.

Background: Snow Across Chicago’s Metro Counties

This winter pattern is caused by a series of weak systems moving across the Midwest. While they are not strong enough to deliver heavy snowfall, they produce repeated light snow bands, leading to persistent slippery roads and reduced visibility.

Counties affected include:

• Cook County – Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Cicero

• DuPage County – Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove

• Lake County – Waukegan, Highland Park, Gurnee

• Will County – Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville

Intermittent snow in these counties is expected to continue through Friday morning, particularly during commuting hours. Even minor snow can slow traffic and create localized hazards on bridges and expressways.

Timeline of Weather Impacts

Early Morning

Snowfall begins across Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Cicero, and Naperville. Visibility drops to 1–3 miles in some neighborhoods.

Late Morning

FAA issues a ground stop at O’Hare due to safety concerns. Airline apps and websites show delayed arrivals and departures.

Midday

Snow intensity temporarily decreases but resumes in scattered bands. Travelers report slowing traffic along I-90, I-94, I-290, and I-55, especially in Cook and DuPage counties.

Afternoon

Additional flurries develop across Lake and Will counties. Airport delays continue as crews de-ice aircraft and clear taxiways.

Evening

Light snow persists in areas including Schaumburg, Des Plaines, and Waukegan, but totals remain under one inch. Slick roads remain a concern overnight.

Official Statements

The FAA stated the ground stop was a precautionary measure to maintain safety during periods of variable visibility. Officials said flights would resume once conditions stabilized.

O’Hare airport confirmed that:

• Runways and taxiways are actively plowed

• De-icing operations are ongoing

• Flight schedules are being adjusted in real-time

Airlines advised travelers to check flight status online and plan extra time at the airport.

Illinois Department of Transportation crews are treating highways in Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will counties, but secondary streets remain slick in some areas.

Impact on Roadways and Commuters

Even light snow can make travel dangerous. Illinois State Police reported:

• Slippery bridges and overpasses in Chicago and suburbs

• Reduced visibility on arterial roads in Evanston, Oak Park, Naperville, and Joliet

• Slower traffic during intermittent snow bands

CTA trains and Metra commuter rail remained operational but reported minor delays due to slippery tracks. Public transit riders in Chicago, Oak Park, and Schaumburg were advised to allow extra commute time.

Public Reaction

Many commuters expressed frustration at airport and road delays but noted relief that totals remain low. Social media posts from Chicago, Des Plaines, Naperville, and Waukegan reported slow-moving traffic and icy patches on residential streets.

Some residents mentioned challenges navigating sidewalks and parking lots. Local businesses adjusting deliveries noted slight delays, especially in Cook and DuPage counties.

Weather Outlook

Forecasters say the on-and-off snow pattern will continue through Friday, with intermittent flurries during peak commute hours. Snow accumulation is expected to remain under one inch across the metro area.

Temperatures will hover near or just below freezing, which can cause untreated surfaces to remain slick. A stronger winter system is being monitored for early next week, but details remain uncertain.

Residents are encouraged to monitor weather alerts, check airline notifications, and allow extra time when commuting in Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will counties.

NEWS SUMMARY TABLE

FAQ SECTION

1. Why was a ground stop issued at O’Hare?

Due to fluctuating visibility and light snow on runways, the FAA halted arrivals temporarily for safety.

2. Which counties are affected?

Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will counties are impacted by intermittent snow and slick roads.

3. Will flights continue to be delayed?

Yes. Even after the ground stop is lifted, residual delays are expected due to de-icing and aircraft repositioning.

4. How much snow will Chicago and suburbs get?

Totals remain light, generally less than one inch, but intermittent bursts continue through Friday.

5. Are major highways impacted?

Yes. I-90, I-94, I-290, and I-55 have slowed during snow bands, particularly in Cook, DuPage, and Will counties.

6. Is this considered a major snowstorm?

No. Snowfall amounts are light, but repeated flurries create localized travel disruptions.

7. What should commuters do?

Allow extra time, monitor road conditions, and drive cautiously on slick surfaces.

CONCLUSION

Chicago and surrounding counties continue to experience intermittent snow that is light in accumulation but disruptive for travel. The ground stop at O’Hare highlights how even minor snow can cause delays when visibility fluctuates. Travelers and commuters in Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Naperville, Schaumburg, Des Plaines, and Waukegan should expect ongoing caution and plan accordingly.

Authorities will continue monitoring road conditions and flight schedules as this light snow event persists into Friday.