Chicago: Massive Snowstorm Paralyzes City, Leaving Thousands Stranded

Chicago: Massive Snowstorm Paralyzes City, Leaving Thousands StrandedChicago: Massive Snowstorm Paralyzes City, Leaving Thousands Stranded A historic blizzard has brought Chicago to a standstill, dumping over 20 inches of snow across the city and leaving thousands stranded. The storm, which began late Monday night, has crippled transportation and forced residents to seek refuge indoors. Major highways have been closed due to impassable snowdrifts. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has issued a travel ban, urging residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary. The ban includes the city’s major expressways and all non-essential business vehicles. City buses have also been suspended, and train service on CTA and Metra lines has been disrupted. Amtrak trains bound for Chicago have been canceled or delayed. Air travel has been severely impacted. O’Hare and Midway International Airports have seen hundreds of flights canceled or diverted. Southwest Airlines has suspended operations at both airports. Emergency services have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of calls. The Chicago Fire Department has responded to over 2,000 reports of downed trees and power outages. ComEd, the city’s utility provider, has reported over 100,000 customers without power. Schools and businesses have closed. The Chicago Public Schools system has canceled classes for the entire week. Many businesses have also decided to close, leaving thousands of employees stranded. The storm has left thousands of residents stranded in their vehicles or at bus stops. The city has set up warming centers at libraries and community centers for those in need of shelter. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has declared a state of emergency in Chicago. The city has deployed snow removal crews and will continue to work around the clock to clear the streets and restore normalcy. However, officials warn that it may take several days for the city to fully recover from the storm. Residents are advised to check official sources for updates and to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. As the storm continues to rage, the people of Chicago are showing resilience and working together to overcome this unprecedented event.