Overview
- The FAA imposed a ground stop from about 8:45 to 10 a.m. CT for departures to O’Hare from Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Omaha due to severe icing risk on final approach.
- Aircraft departing Minneapolis–Saint Paul were sprayed with deicing fluid to remove snow and ice, according to the FAA.
- After 10 a.m. CT, officials replaced the ground stop with a ground‑delay program affecting all U.S. flights bound for Chicago.
- Delay estimates diverged, with the FAA reporting average waits near 68 minutes and the Chicago Department of Aviation citing averages under 15 minutes.
- The National Weather Service maintained a wind advisory for the Chicago area through 9 p.m., warning of gusts up to 60 mph.