Flooding, Delays, Canceled Flights At O'Hare Airport

CHICAGO, IL — Torrential rains across northern Illinois have forced airlines to cancel hundreds of Labor Day flights at O'Hare International Airport. The rains also flooded the main access road into the airport and leaked into gate areas in at least one terminal, according to travelers.

At last count, 479 flights at O'Hare were canceled, reports the Chicago Department of Aviation at 11:15 p.m. Central time. Many more were delayed by the weather, with arrival delays averaging three hours and 26 minutes and departures averaging an hour and 30 minutes, according to the FAA. By 11 p.m., departure delays were down to 48 minutes.

Some people were having trouble even getting into the airport due to flooded roads. People even resorted to walking in on foot.

"Due to heavy rainfall and flooding, eastbound and westbound I-190 traffic is stopped at Mannheim. Use caution and alternative routes," the Chicago Department of Aviation announced Monday at about 3 p.m.

And in Terminal 5, the international terminal, travelers saw water pouring into the walkways and gate areas.

Midway International Airport reports little trouble at this hour. Only three flights have been canceled and reported delays are averaging 39 minutes.

Local Rainfall Totals And More