US: Flight disruptions reported in the Midwest due to winter storm January 17-18 /update 1

Event

A major snowstorm has led to the cancelations of hundreds of flights at Chicago's O'Hare Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) on Friday, January 17. In Kansas City International Airport (MCI), a flight slid off the runway prompting the airfield to close for several hours. Flight cancelations were also reported in several airports across the Midwest. Operations have resumed in Chicago as of 21:00 (local time) on Friday, though, residual disruptions are to be expected at various airports in the region where several flight delays are being reported. According to the National Weather Service, the storm could intensify on Saturday, January 18. Further flight disruptions including delays and cancelations are to be anticipated in the coming hours and possibly days. Further information can be found on the NWS website here.

Associated power outages and disruptions to transportation and business services are possible in areas forecast to be affected by the storm over the coming days. 

Advice

Individuals are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate business and transportation disruptions - including adverse driving conditions, and power outages, confirm their flight status, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.