Chicago: Massive Snowstorm Cripples City, Thousands Stranded

Chicago: Massive Snowstorm Cripples City, Thousands StrandedChicago: Massive Snowstorm Cripples City, Thousands Stranded A historic snowstorm has paralyzed Chicago, dumping more than two feet of snow on the city and grinding daily life to a standstill. The massive snowfall has left thousands stranded, closed schools and businesses, and caused widespread power outages. The storm began on Tuesday evening and intensified overnight, unleashing blizzard-like conditions and whiteout visibility. As of Wednesday morning, O’Hare International Airport had recorded 26.8 inches of snow, making it the city’s third-largest snowstorm on record. The city’s transportation infrastructure has been severely impacted. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has suspended all bus and train service indefinitely, leaving commuters stranded. All flights to and from O’Hare and Midway airports have been canceled, isolating the city from the outside world. Major highways and roads are also impassable, with drifts reported to be 10 feet high. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is urging residents to stay home and off the roads. Emergency services are overwhelmed, with first responders struggling to reach stranded motorists and residents. Thousands of homes and businesses are without power, with utility crews working around the clock to restore electricity. The city’s sanitation department has also been hampered by the snow, with garbage pickup and snow removal operations suspended in most areas. Schools and universities throughout the area have canceled classes for the week, leaving many students and parents stranded at home. Major sporting events, concerts, and performances have also been postponed or canceled. The city’s mayor, Lori Lightfoot, has declared a snow emergency and activated the city’s emergency operations center. She has urged residents to stay home and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. “This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation,” Lightfoot said. “We urge all Chicagoans to stay indoors, stay safe, and listen to the instructions of our first responders.” The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Chicago and surrounding areas, with additional snow expected in the coming hours. The storm is expected to taper off by Thursday morning, but cleanup efforts are expected to continue for days.