Over 550 Flights Cancelled At ORD

Over 550 flights into and out of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport were cancelled Tuesday, as a fierce ice storm hit the nation's midsection hard.

As much as a quarter-inch of ice was reported by the National Weather Service in the suburbs of DeKalb and Rockford, though the actual city was spared much of the storm. Still, rain and dense fog forced cancellations at O'Hare and Chicago Midway, Department of Aviation spokewoman Karen Pride told the Chicago Tribune.

Fortunately, many cancellations were announced before passengers left for the airport, keeping lines at the airport somewhat manageable. But passengers connecting in Chicago weren't so lucky.

"It's crazy, crazy, crazy. It's just ridiculous," said San Antonio resident Elzbta Siemieniak, who was connecting in O'Hare en route to Poland. "They're telling me that I'll be in Warsaw by noon tomorrow. But who knows?"

Siemieniak missed her connecting flight Sunday evening, forcing her to spend two nights in Chicago -- one in the airport, and one in a motel.

Conditions in Chicago had returned to normal by Wednesday afternoon.

FMI: www.fly.faa.gov