The Federal Aviation Administration imposed a ground stop on August 11, 2026, affecting flights departing certain U.S. airports to Chicago O’Hare International Airport until 11:15 a.m. Central Time. Midway Airport was also subjected to a ground stop lasting until at least 11:30 a.m. CT.
Severe storms moving across Illinois and Indiana caused the disruptions. The weather included an intense line of storms producing wind gusts reaching up to 100 mph, brief tornadoes, and heavy rainfall. The Chicago Department of Aviation confirmed that the Midway Airport control tower was briefly evacuated amid the storm conditions. After the initial ground stop, the
FAA established a ground delay program at O’Hare, scheduled to remain in effect until 10 p.m. CT.
The ground stops halted departures from various U.S. airports bound for both Chicago airports, leading to delays and cancellations. The FAA indicated that the ground stop could be extended if storm activity persisted, impacting airport operations further.
Regional weather alerts remained active for much of the Chicago area as the storm system moved through Illinois and Indiana. The severe conditions caused downed trees and power lines, prompting flood warnings in affected areas.
