Chicago Surprises with Sudden Snowfall, Leaving Commuters Stranded

Chicago Surprises with Sudden Snowfall, Leaving Commuters StrandedChicago Surprises with Sudden Snowfall, Leaving Commuters Stranded Chicago awoke to a sudden and unexpected blanket of snow on Thursday morning, leaving commuters stranded and schools closed. The snowfall, which began in earnest around 5 a.m., quickly accumulated and made travel treacherous. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Chicago area, predicting 6 to 10 inches of snow throughout the day. However, the sudden onset of the storm caught many unprepared. Roads were quickly covered in snow, causing multiple accidents and delays. Commuters who ventured out faced bumper-to-bumper traffic and long waits on public transportation. Schools in the Chicago Public Schools system were closed for the day. O’Hare International Airport temporarily halted flights due to reduced visibility and icy runways. Midway International Airport remained open with some delays. The Chicago Department of Transportation deployed snowplows and salt trucks to clear the roads as quickly as possible, but progress was slow due to the heavy snowfall. City officials urged residents to stay off the roads if possible. Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted: “Chicagoans, please stay safe and off the roads if possible. We will get through this storm together.” The unexpected snowfall also caused power outages for some areas of the city. ComEd reported that over 30,000 customers were without power as of 9 a.m. Crews were working to restore power as quickly as possible. As the storm continues, Chicagoans are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. They should dress warmly, drive carefully, and stay informed about any road closures or weather updates.