Chicago was hit with its first winter storm of the season on Thursday, blanketing the city in snow and disrupting both air and ground travel. Over 900 flights were delayed, and dozens were canceled at O’Hare and Midway airports as heavy snowfall swept through the region, reducing visibility and creating hazardous conditions.

The storm delivered periods of moderate to heavy snow, quickly covering roads and sidewalks with 2 to 4 inches of accumulation. Drivers faced slick conditions during the morning and early afternoon, with traffic snarls reported throughout the city. Emergency crews responded to a surge in minor accidents as commuters struggled to navigate icy roadways.

At O’Hare International Airport, 790 flights were delayed out of 2,295 scheduled in the past 24 hours, with 65 cancellations recorded by 2 p.m. Delays averaged 37 minutes. Midway International Airport experienced 153 delays and 22 cancellations out of 531 flights, with an average delay time of 36 minutes.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the Chicago area, initially set to expire at 1 p.m. but extended to 3 p.m. in Northwest Indiana and Kankakee County. As the afternoon progressed, snowfall began transitioning to rain, and forecasters predicted conditions would dry out overnight. With rising temperatures, much of the snow is expected to melt by Friday morning, easing travel conditions.

The storm also highlighted the city’s preparedness for winter weather. Chicago’s public works department deployed plows and salt trucks to clear major thoroughfares, prioritizing main roads and highways. However, many side streets and residential areas remained icy and challenging to navigate, prompting officials to advise against unnecessary travel.

Despite the travel chaos, the snowstorm transformed Chicago into a picturesque winter scene. Residents took to parks and neighborhoods to enjoy the snowy landscapes, capturing the beauty of the city’s first snowfall. While the storm brought significant disruptions, it also offered a reminder of the charm and challenges that come with winter in the Midwest.

As the city recovers, officials are urging residents to prepare for more unpredictable weather in the weeks ahead, marking the start of what could be a long and eventful winter season.