Any passenger’s worst nightmare while flying is extreme turbulence. Be it due to any reason—mechanical or weather. But imagine experiencing turbulence while you’re still waiting to board the plane. That was the case for many travellers and staff at Chicago’s O’hare Airport on July 12 who had a harrowing experience while waiting for their flights.
Tornado Strikes Chicago’s O’hare International Airport
@CarlyAnnaWX Confirmed tornado on the ground near O’Hare filmed from our hotel room minutes ago. Same view on local news closer up. Debris seen. pic.twitter.com/SkrteSWBiz
— William Sowers (@William47151551) July 12, 2023
On July 12, the greater Chicago area experienced severe weather with tornadoes and thunderstorms. O’Hare Airport and Midway Airport had to temporarily stop air traffic due to the intense conditions. Tornado sirens were heard throughout the city, which is the third largest in the US.
Northeastern Illinois, specifically four counties including Cook County where Chicago is located, was hit by at least eight tornadoes. Residents were advised to seek shelter for their safety.
As per reports by India Today, The US Federal Aviation Administration reported that departures of all commercial flights into O’Hare and Midway airports were grounded. They also reported that outgoing flights from the two airports would be delayed.
Twitter user @CarlyAnnaWX shared on her handle the distressing visual of the tornado approaching the O’Hare Airport, from her hotel room window.
Also Read: Watch: Massive Tornado Hits Punjab Village; Second Within A Week
They also reported that close to 32 flights, in and out from Midway Airport, were cancelled. And more than 300 flights in and out from O’Hare Airport in Chicago were cancelled, according to FlightAware.
More Than 300 Flights Due To Tornado Warnings
They had travelers shelter
In place at O’Hare Airport due to the
Tornado warning. #Chicago 😬 pic.twitter.com/q25x5NJ1UR— Damon (@geminimoon) July 13, 2023
While these are unavoidable circumstances, it is the passengers who suffer emotional and financial distress during such events.
Travellers at the O’Hare airport were offered assistance towards shelter-like situations to help safeguard them from the violent tornados. Twitter user @geminimoon shared visuals of how the passengers were asked to move.
Also Read: Royal Caribbean Cruise Gets Badly Hit By A Crazy Storm In Florida’s Port Canaveral
Tornados are not unusual but considering the amount of natural disasters happening around the world, it is safe to say that climate change is a big factor. From the floods in China and India to now the tornado storms in the United States Of America.
Have you ever experienced a live tornado while being stuck at an airport? If so, what was your experience dealing with it? And how did you manage to get yourself through it?
Let us know in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva