Heavy rain and thunderstorms moved into the Chicago area Saturday, bringing the potential for flooding and disrupting travel at Chicago O'Hare International Airport during a weekend expected to see multiple rounds of wet weather.
As of 4:14 p.m. ET Saturday, Sept. 19, 353 flights had been canceled at O'Hare, with average delays of about 60 minutes, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation's website. Chicago Midway International Airport had 71 cancellations, with average delays of less than 15 minutes.
The weather-related disruptions came as forecasters warned of additional heavy rain and thunderstorms through Sunday, with some areas potentially seeing several inches of rain over the weekend.
O'Hare was also under a Federal Aviation Administration
ground delay, a traffic-management measure used to control congestion by holding some departing flights on the ground. The FAA's ground delay was scheduled to remain in effect through 10:59 p.m. Saturday, NBC News reported.
USA TODAY reached out to the Chicago Department of Aviation for additional information about the cancellations and delays at O'Hare.
Why are flights canceled at O'Hare?
Heavy rain and thunderstorms can complicate airport operations, contributing to delays and cancellations as airlines and air traffic controllers work around weather conditions.
The National Weather Service had a Flood Watch in effect Saturday afternoon for parts of the Chicago area. Forecasters warned that heavy rainfall could produce rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour, increasing the potential for flash flooding.
At O'Hare, the National Weather Service forecast a 100% chance of precipitation Saturday, with showers and thunderstorms expected to continue into the evening. The forecast called for another 1 to 2 inches of rain Saturday night.
The heaviest rain was expected during the morning, followed by additional showers and thunderstorms throughout the afternoon and evening. Another round of potentially heavy rain was possible Saturday night into Sunday morning.
More rain is expected Sunday
The weather isn't expected to clear after Saturday.
Another round of heavy rain and thunderstorms could move through the Chicago area Saturday night into Sunday morning. Some locations could see several inches of rain over the weekend, depending on where the heaviest storms develop.
Sunday is expected to remain cloudy and wet, with showers and possibly a thunderstorm. The National Weather Service forecasts a high near 69 degrees at O'Hare, with winds potentially gusting to 30 mph.
The rain could also affect Sunday activities, including the Chicago Bears' noon game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Showers are expected to continue during at least part of the day before gradually becoming lighter Sunday evening.
Travelers flying through O'Hare or Midway should check their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport and allow extra time for potential delays.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chicago weather cancels hundreds of flights at O'Hare amid heavy rain
