Full Breakdown
Chicago Records Historic November Snowfall
12/1/2025, 7:59:02 PM
Major Snowstorm Hits Chicago
On November 29, 2025, Chicago experienced its snowiest November day on record, with 8.4 inches of snow falling at O'Hare International Airport. This surpassed the previous record of 8 inches set on November 6, 1951. The snowfall was part of a significant winter storm that also marked the most substantial accumulation since nearly 11 inches fell on January 30-31, 2021. The National Weather Service reported that by noon on Sunday, November 30, a total of 8.7 inches had accumulated at O'Hare.
The storm caused widespread disruption, leading to the cancellation of over 1,300 flights at O'Hare and Midway airports. As travelers sought to return home after the Thanksgiving holiday, many faced delays and cancellations, with reports of some passengers waiting on the tarmac for hours.
Ongoing Weather Challenges
As Chicagoans began to dig out from the weekend's snowfall, additional snow was forecasted for Monday, December 1. Meteorologists predicted an accumulation of one to four inches, with a Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 2 p.m. until midnight. Icy conditions were already reported on local highways, contributing to multiple accidents and spinouts.
Kevin Doom, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, noted that while the upcoming snow may not be as severe as the weekend's storm, it could still impact the evening commute significantly. He emphasized that a single heavy snowfall does not necessarily indicate a trend for the winter season, although there are indications that Chicago may experience slightly above-average snowfall this year.
Impact on Transportation and Safety
The heavy snowfall and subsequent icy conditions led to significant travel disruptions. By Monday morning, O'Hare had seen 446 flight cancellations, while Midway reported no cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration indicated that delays for departures to O'Hare averaged nearly an hour due to the weather.
In addition to air travel, road conditions were hazardous, with Illinois State Police responding to nearly 500 crashes over the weekend, including 66 that resulted in injuries. To facilitate snow removal, the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation implemented a winter overnight parking ban covering 107 miles of main streets, effective from midnight on December 1.
Community Response and Preparations
Despite the challenging conditions, many Chicagoans embraced the snow, participating in winter activities such as sledding and snowball fights. Local parks saw families enjoying the winter weather, while city workers prepared to deploy salt spreaders to ensure safer road conditions.
As the city continues to recover from the storm, officials are monitoring weather conditions closely to respond effectively to any further snowfall. The community's resilience and adaptability in the face of severe winter weather remain evident as they navigate the aftermath of this historic snowfall.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Even though we’re only expecting a few inches of snow, you bring that through the heart of the afternoon commute, it can create some pretty decent travel impact,” — Kevin Doom, Meteorologist, National Weather Service
- “We had to stop in Denver and that is when we heard our cancellation had just gotten later and later and later and later,” — Fran Reynolds, Traveler
- “Vehicles that do not comply with the parking ban, may be towed and ticketed.” — Ryan Gage, Director of Public Affairs, Department of Streets and Sanitation
