Air traffic pauses as tornadoes hit Chicago, over 300 flights cancelled

Air traffic in Chicago, the third largest city in the US, came to a halt on Wednesday due to thunderstorms. At least eight tornadoes touched down in northeastern Illinois, prompting sirens to sound throughout the city. Residents have been advised to seek shelter as the tornadoes wreak havoc in the area.

According to the National Weather Service, a tornado reportedly touched down near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on Wednesday evening. Among the eight tornadoes, four have impacted Cook County.

No injuries have been reported thus far.


Authorities have canceled the departure of commercial flights at O'Hare and Midway airports. Over 300 flights at O'Hare have been grounded.

The National Weather Service reported uprooted trees and blown-off roofs in Cook County, while La Grange experienced shattered car windows. Additionally, multiple tornadoes have caused damage to trees and roofs, as reported.

Chicago resident Lynn Becker took to Twitter and wrote, "There's a certain panic when you're watching a TV screen and everything is in red... but the hope is that the damage is minimal."

An unidentified emergency manager informed the weather service about a roof being blown off in the community of Huntley, located in McHenry County.

Between 1855 and 2008, the Chicago area experienced 92 tornadoes, according to the Weather Service. The deadliest thunderstorm occurred in Cook County in 1967, resulting in the deaths of nearly 33 people and injuring approximately 500. The reported damage from that tornado exceeded $50 million.

FAQs:

Q1:Which airports have been significantly affected by the tornadoes in Chicago?
Over 300 flights have been grounded at O'Hare and Midway airports.

Q2:Which other areas have been affected by the tornadoes?
Cook County witnessed four tornadoes among the at least eight that struck northwestern Illinois.