Chicago winter storm: Hundreds of flights canceled, delayed at O'Hare, Midway airports

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Air travel was impacted Friday morning as a winter storm moved into the Chicago area.

The winter storm led to a full ground stop at O'Hare airport due to snow and ice. The ground stop was lifted at 8 a.m.

As of 5:40 p.m., 852 flights had been canceled at O'Hare in the past 24 hours, with average delays of 28 minutes. At Midway, 279 flights have been canceled, with average delays of less than 15 minutes.

It's been a frustrating day for Chicago resident Schellone Byrd. First his flight to Atlanta was canceled and his rebooked 10:55 a.m. plane was delayed. He also almost didn't even make it to the airport

"The ride share started out at 58 dollars," Byrd said. "It kicked it out then it jumped to 156 dollars. I had no option but to take it, so it's pretty much price gauging because of the weather."

The area's latest blast of winter did a number of Chicago's airports and most of anyone trying to fly anywhere Friday.

Carrie Scharbo hoped to get to her native palm Beach for her daughter's equestrian tournament and to celebrate her son's 15th birthday.

"We were delayed, flights canceled this morning," Scharbo said. "Booked another one for tomorrow and we just came here on the off chance we could get out today."

The storm has also created slick conditions on Chicago-area roads, especially expressway ramps.

ABC7 AccuWeather Meteorologist Tracy Butler said the snow has tapered off until about 3 p.m. The snow will then return from 3-7 p.m., with a rain/snow line reaching up to Interstate 88.

From 7 p.m. until midnight, windy conditions will return, with the snow likely to expand across the area. ABC7 AccuWeather Meteorologist Larry Mowry said an additional 2 to 6 inches of snow is possible from afternoon and evening snow.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS: See full list of school closures

The falling snow will start to ease Saturday morning, but windy conditions could still lead to poor travel conditions.