The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a ground stop on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, for flights destined to Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport due to severe storms affecting the region.
An intense line of storms moving through Illinois and Indiana brought destructive wind gusts reaching up to 100 miles per hour, brief tornadoes, heavy rain, and downed trees and power lines. Flood warnings were also issued across the Chicago area as a result.
Ground Stop Timings and Storm Impact
The FAA announced the ground stop on flights headed to O’Hare would remain in effect until 11:15 a.m. Central Time (CT) for departures from certain
U.S. airports. Midway Airport’s stop was set to last until at least 11:30 a.m. CT. Following the end of the ground stop, a ground delay program will continue at O’Hare until 10 p.m. CT.
The Chicago Department of Aviation confirmed the control tower at Midway was briefly evacuated during the storm. The ongoing severe weather has generated significant disruptions to airport operations.
Flight Disruptions and Official Actions
The FAA noted the possibility of extending the ground stop if storm conditions persist. Flights arriving at both Chicago airports are currently halted or delayed. The Chicago Department of Aviation’s evacuation of Midway’s control tower reflects the severity
of weather impacts on airport management.
Chicago O’Hare is one of the busiest airline hubs in the United States, and the ground stop affects flights originating from various U.S. locations. Weather alerts cover a broad portion of the Chicago metropolitan area as officials respond to the severe storm conditions.
