Chicago Airport Storm Delays: More Than 845 Flights Canceled At Chicago Airports, Severe Weather Threatens Heavy Rains [VIDEO + REPORT]

Chicago airport storm delays have resulted in the cancelation of more than 845 flights on Thursday. The announcement of the Chicago airport storm delays comes as thunderstorms are reportedly moving toward city.

The Chicago airport storm delay mostly occurred at the Midway and O'Hare airports. The number of flights cancelled ahead of possible thunderstorms rose by the afternoon, reports The Weather Channel.

According to the Chicago Tribune, by 3:30 p.m. yesterday, as many as 800 flights have already been canceled between both O'Hare International and Midway Airports.

At O'Hare, the withdrawal of 545 flights took place as of 8:45 p.m. The Chicago airport storm delay reportedly here averaged 35 minutes, according to the city's Department of Aviation.

At Midway, the Chicago airport storm delay averaged 30 minutes. More than 300 flights were canceled by Thursday night.

Southwest Airlines reportedly canceled all their incoming and outgoing flights from Midway Thursday.

Meanwhile, passengers on uncanceled flights should still prepare for a Chicago airport storm delay in their areas.

Travelers are encouraged to check their flight status with their airline, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago isn't under a severe watch, but there are reportedly several severe thunderstorm watches posted in areas of the southern Plains and Midwest, especially after a fire broke out at the air traffic control center in an Aurora facility last week.

The cancellations and Chicago airport storm delays have also been due to the ripple effects of the fire last week, according to the aviation department. The Chicago airports affected by the fire are still recovering from the incident, said reports.

Brian Howard, an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contract employee, is currently facing federal charges in connection with the fire.

According to the Associated Press, flights operations for O'Hare and Midway are currently between 80 and 85 percent.

The Chicago En Route Center in Aurora reportedly expects to be in full operation by Oct. 13.

According to the National Weather Service, several areas may experience more than inch of rain by Friday morning. High winds and hail have also been predicted by the weather service.

Announcement of the Chicago airport storm delays came just in time as approaching thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rains and flash flooding in the Chicago area overnight Thursday into Friday.

NBC Chicago reports that an isolated tornado is also possible, as shown in models. Severe storms are also reported possible south of the city, which could produce damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain.
The threat of rain remains till Friday morning before the system shifts east.

Today, temperatures are also expected to drop, with temperature as high as 61 degrees. On Saturday, the bottom reportedly drops out, with high temperatures only around 49 degrees and a chance of rain showers.

By Sunday, according to NBC Chicago, there could be chance of a few spotty showers. Meanwhile, highs are expected to reach the mid-50s.

"Due to the combination of severe weather forecasted for the Chicago area today and lingering operational effects of the FAA Center in Aurora, IL, significant delays and cancellations are anticipated at O'Hare and Midway International Airports," said the Chicago Department of Aviation in a 10:30 a.m. statement.

The Chicago airport storm delays prompted airlines to announce updates via Twitter:

Several reports about the Chicago airport storm delays have also been broadcasted on television.