Ground stop in place at Chicago O'Hare Airport amid storms

A ground stop was put in place at O’Hare International Airport Tuesday morning as severe thunderstorm warnings erupted in parts of the Chicago area.

Flights to the airport were not allowed to depart until 8:45 a.m. due to thunderstorms moving through the area.

“Departures to Chicago OHare International are blocked due to thunderstorms,” the Federal Aviation System said in an alert, noting that it was possible the ground stop could be extended.

Meanwhile, delays of more than an hour and at least 80 flight cancellations were reported at O’Hare as of 7:45 a.m. Delays averaging 55 minutes were also reported at Midway Airport.

“We’re watching the potential for two rounds of storms,” said Alicia Roman, a meteorologist at NBC 5. “First mid-morning, where we could see devastating wind gusts and torrential downpours. And then late ‘afternoon, the serious risk persists.’

Storms capable of producing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail have already been spotted in parts of the region.

“Expect wind damage,” the National Weather Service said in its alerts.

Parts of Cook County remained under a storm warning until 8 a.m. while others were under a storm watch until 11 a.m.

Check the latest forecast updates here.