Chicago gears up for storm, 500 flights grounded

A severe winter storm, which is expected to drop up to 8-12 inches of snow in Chicago, has led to cancellations of over 500 flights from the American city.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for northern Illinois and northeast Indiana that would remain in effect until this noon.

Snow showers and 8-12 inches of snow accumulation is expected by Friday morning, with the greatest amount occurring from Chicago into the northern suburbs, the weather service said, adding snow showers would finally taper off to flurries by afternoon.

The Department of Aviation said more than 500 flights have been cancelled from O'Hare International and Midway airports with flight delays of up to two hours being reported. Some airlines also pre-emptively cancelled flights.

More than 150 schools have also been closed.

A winter storm warning for heavy snow is issued when six or more inches of snow is predicted.

The weather service further warned that northerly winds were expected to gust up to about 48 kmph, causing considerable blowing and drifting snow that will reduce visibility to less than 800 metres. It said the snow would make travelling dangerous as roads may be become slick.

Chicago's department of Streets and Sanitation has deployed 275 snow-fighting trucks to patrol the main roads.