Chicago O'Hare flights canceled as severe weather sets in in Illinois

UPDATE: Previous tornado watches have mostly been canceled with the exception of northwest Indiana. You can find the latest details here.

Previous ground stops at O’Hare and Midway International Airports were lifted after severe thunderstorms passed through the Chicago area.

Strong to severe storms with damaging winds, heavy rain and hail remain possible later Tuesday in the Chicago area, with a tornado watch in effect until 8 p.m.

By around 9 a.m., Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports had issued warnings due to thunderstorms, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. At O’Hare, a ground stop was issued until 9:45 a.m. At Midway, a ground stop was issued but lifted around 9:15 a.m.

As of 1:30 p.m., 72 O’Hare flights had been canceled, with average delays of nearly an hour, according to FlyChicago.com.

Severe weather threat looms over Chicago area

ILLINOIS WEATHER RADAR: Track strong to severe storms heading toward the Chicago area

Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued in several counties, with a tornado warning also issued in McHenry County amid an outbreak of severe weather.

The storms brought gusty winds and large hail, leading to ground stops at both airports.

Between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., much of the Chicago area will be at “marginal” risk of severe weather, the National Weather Service said, ranking it at level one out of five. However, parts of Kankakee, Cook and Will counties in Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana will be at a “slight” risk of severe weather, which ranks as level two out of five.

Two sets of storms are expected today. The first round will contain a line of storms with wind gusts up to 40 mph. After a break with isolated showers late in the morning, scattered severe thunderstorms are possible mid-afternoon. Damaging winds/hail and brief tornadoes are possible. pic.twitter.com/hVXKaylOSI

– NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) May 7, 2024

High temperatures Tuesday were expected in the mid-70s, according to Roman.

Wednesday: more risk of storms

Although much of Wednesday is expected to remain dry, the active weather pattern could continue into Wednesday afternoon and evening, Roman said.

Wednesday’s storms could also become strong or severe, according to the National Weather Service.

Active spring weather continues, with a series of thunderstorms today through Wednesday evening. Some of these storms could be severe this afternoon and then again late Wednesday and Wednesday evening. Otherwise, it will stay warm until mid-week, before cooling off at the end of the week. pic.twitter.com/WNoD6Fg0jH

– NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) May 7, 2024

Temperatures Wednesday will see a wider range, with highs between 70 and 80 degrees, the NWS said.

On Thursday, more chances of rain return, according to forecast models. Cooler temperatures are expected to end the week, Roman said.