Winds delay flights, mess up traffic as Obama arrives in Chicago
Area travelers had a rough afternoon and evening Tuesday with wind-related delays at O'Hare International Airport and road closures on area highways related to President Obama's visit to Chicago.
The gusty weather meant flights were delayed by about an hour at O'Hare with more than 300 cancellations, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation. The Federal Aviation Administration reported some jets were arriving two hours and 27 minutes late.
Illinois State Police warned of highway closures to accommodate President Obama's motorcade as he headed to McCormick Place for his final address. The motorcade was seen on the Kennedy Expressway coming from O'Hare.
Obama often uses a helicopter after arriving at O'Hare to reach his final destination when returning to Chicago, but ABC 7 Chicago reported that high winds required he be driven.
Obama's farewell speech was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. at McCormick Place, and he was expected to stop in Hyde Park before his speech, ABC 7 reported.
The CTA plans to operate longer trains until 1 a.m. The Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Adler Planetarium closed Tuesday afternoon to ease traffic and allow security to move in, ABC 7 reported.
The National Weather Service reported wind speeds ranging from 45 to 60 mph. The highest gusts at O'Hare were 56 mph. The wind advisory is scheduled to expire at 10 p.m.