Full Breakdown
Record Snowfall Hits Chicago Area
12/1/2025, 4:57:42 AM
Severe Winter Storm Overview
The Chicago area experienced a significant winter storm over the weekend, resulting in record-breaking snowfall. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), snowfall totals ranged from 7 to 11.5 inches across various counties, with Chicago O'Hare International Airport recording 8.4 inches, marking the highest single-day snowfall in November since 1951. The storm began on Saturday and continued into Sunday morning, prompting a Winter Weather Advisory that remained in effect until noon on Sunday.
Snowfall Totals Across the Region
The storm's impact was felt throughout the region, with notable snowfall totals including:
- Rensselaer, Indiana: 11.5 inches
- Lindenhurst, Illinois: 10.5 inches
- Skokie, Illinois: 10 inches
- Chicago (Midway Airport): 7.2 inches
- Chicago (O'Hare Airport): 8.4 inches
Other areas reported varying amounts, such as:
- Barrington Hills: 11.1 inches
- Aurora: 8.6 inches
- Rockford Airport: 8.7 inches
Travel Disruptions
The severe weather led to significant travel disruptions. Over 1,300 flights were canceled at Chicago airports, with O'Hare reporting 1,322 cancellations and Midway 250. Additionally, nearly 500 vehicle crashes occurred on Chicago-area expressways, with 66 resulting in injuries. The Illinois State Police responded to numerous incidents, assisting many motorists stranded by the snow.
Official Responses and Preparations
In response to the storm, the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation deployed over 250 salt spreaders to clear main roads, including arterial streets and bridges. An overnight parking ban was implemented to facilitate snow removal operations, effective from midnight Sunday and lasting until April 1, 2026. This ban is designed to keep critical routes clear for snow removal efforts.
Criticism and Community Impact
Despite the preparations, the storm's timing and severity caught many off guard. Residents expressed frustration over travel delays and the impact on holiday plans. Ashton Zigler, a Virginia Tech University student, noted the challenges of canceled flights and the unexpected extension of his stay at home due to the weather. He remarked, “I should’ve flown out on Friday. It’s always that Chicago weather.”
What's Next
Looking ahead, the NWS forecasts additional snowfall on Monday, with expectations of 2 to 4 inches during the late afternoon and evening rush hour. The city continues to monitor conditions and provide resources, including warming centers for those in need.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Saturday was the snowiest November day since Nov.” — National Weather Service
- “Having this consistent rule for overnight parking allows snow removal crews to plan and execute their operations more effectively, and we ask residents and visitors to please follow the posted parking restriction signs so critical routes can be fully salted and plowed during winter weather events,” — Cole Stallard, DSS Commissioner
- “but it’s something we, again, expect to see starting to get into this time of year.” — Zachary Yack, NWS Meteorologist
- “I just want to get there no matter how long it takes,” — Ashton Zigler, Virginia Tech Student
This winter storm has not only set records but also highlighted the challenges of early-season snowfall in the Chicago area, affecting travel and daily life for many residents.
