High Wind Warnings Cause O'Hare Airport Delays, Hit 5 States as Gusts Exceed 70 mph
The Midwest region braced for high winds as winter storm warnings hit multiple states on March 13 and delayed hundreds of flights at Chicago O'Hare airport.
In Minnesota, high winds "knocked out power to thousands of people across the Twin Cities and other parts of Minnesota" on March 13. Some gusts reached speeds of more than 70 mph, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Strong winds also hit Wisconsin, where gusts were expected to reach 50 mph. Northern Michigan was bracing for winds exceeding 60 mph on March 13. And in Ohio, winter weather warnings predicted winds stronger than 55 mps.
High Winds Delayed Flights at O'Hare Due to an 'Equiment Outage'
(Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP via Getty Images)
According to FlightAware, the Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Illinois was hit with flight delays. O'Hare reported 17% of flights, or 237, were delayed on March 13. Overall, 2,218 flights were delayed in the U.S., and 270 were cancelled by 9:30 a.m. In the 24-hour period, there were more than 900 delayed flights at O'Hare, according to Fly Chicago. More than 600 of those flights were delayed by more than 45 minutes, the site reported.
O'Hare's website reports average delays of 36 minutes. The delays were being caused by an "equipment outage" that resulted from high winds, according to NBC Chicago.
"The FAA is slowing departures at Chicago O’Hare International Airport due to a ground radar issue caused by heavy winds," the Federal Aviation Administration told NBC Chicago. "Technicians are working to address the problem." According to the television station, winds in Chicago were exceeding 60 mph.
"A rather intense low pressure system moving across the upper Midwest early this morning is bringing a quick round of moderate to heavy snow across the region and into the upper and central Great Lakes for the reminder of today," the National Weather Service wrote.
The Midwest Region Was Experiencing 'Strong & Very Gusty Winds'
NWS wrote that the region is experiencing "strong and very gusty winds." The winds, along with "mixed rain and snow" are epected to "sweep across the lower Great Lakes.
"Snowfall totals of 6 to 12+ inches along with strong and very gusty winds can produce poor visibility and blowing snow at times. In addition, mixed rain and snow together with strong and very gusty winds will quick sweep across the lower Great Lakes through tonight with moderate snowfall possible across upstate New York as this clipper-like system moves through," added NWS.
"The system center will begin to exit New England later on Saturday but snow will be slow to taper off across New England with widespread 4 to 6+ inches expected across northern New England. Locally heavier totals are expected downwind of Lake Ontario due to lake enhancements.
"High winds can occur during a severe thunderstorm, with a strong weather system, or can flow down a mountain. When winds are sustained at 40-50 mph, isolated wind damage is possible. Widespread significant wind damage can occur with higher wind speeds. During strong thunderstorms, straight line wind speeds can exceed 100 mph," the National Weather Service wrote. "High winds can blow objects around and pose a significant threat to your safety. Understanding the risks can help you prepare for these events."