The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a ground stop at O’Hare Airport Friday morning due to snow and ice concerns.
According to NBC, officials issued the ground stop just after 6am, leading to delays of up to 40 minutes at airport security.
Winter Weather complicates holiday travel
The deals comes of the heels of a system of wintry weather which began moving through Chicago Thursday evening, bringing some snow accumulation and freezing rain with it.
While accumulations in Chicago have amounted to only a few inches so far, snow showers will persist for much of the day Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications issued a warning Friday via Twitter/X advising drivers to prepare for slick roadways and patches of black ice.
Drivers should expect traffic delays and plan for additional travel time.
Chicago’s busiest travel days of the year
The hectic holiday travel season is in full swing at Chicago’s airports.
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) estimates over 3 million passengers will travel through O’Hare and Midway airports between December 20 and January 2.
Monday, December 23, will be the busiest day at O’Hare, according to the CDA, with more than 240,000 passengers making their way through the travel hub.