Chicago buried Under Record november Snowfall,Disrupting Travel Plans
CHICAGO - A historic snowfall blanketed Chicago on Saturday,marking the snowiest November day in the city’s history. Nearly nine inches of snow fell across parts of the city, causing widespread travel disruptions at O’Hare and Midway International airports and prompting city officials to open warming centers.
The unprecedented November snowfall has stranded travelers, delayed hundreds of flights, and created hazardous conditions for commuters. The National Weather Service chicago reported the snowfall, sharing images on social media of the accumulating snow. The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services opened the Garfield Community Service Center as a warming center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Saturday and Sunday,and urged residents to call 3-1-1 for shelter placement and well-being checks for vulnerable populations.
Kim Ottum was among the fortunate few whose travel plans remained unaffected. While her son and daughter-in-law’s flight out of Midway on saturday was canceled,forcing them to spend a night in a hotel,her own seven-hour flight to Alaska remained on schedule. “But we’re not there yet,” Ottum cautioned.
Anna Bettmering, a traveler arriving at O’Hare on Sunday after 24 hours of travel, missed her connecting flight to Las Vegas for a business trip. She spent hours at the United Airlines desk rebooking,hoping to arrive by midnight. “I thought I’d have a little bit more time to see” Vegas, she said, adding with a laugh, “Maybe avoid Chicago in the wintertime.” Bettmering’s experiance reflects the broader impact of the storm on travelers attempting to reach their destinations.
