Snow Slowing Eastbound Easter Travelers
Nebraskans and Iowans heading east for the Easter weekend were experiencing flight delays or snow-covered roads today, and the troubles could continue into Saturday.
A band of snow stretching from North Dakota to Illinois and over to Ohio was dumping snow across the Midwest.
Chicago could see 3 to 6 inches, while 6 to 10 inches of heavy snow was possible in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, according to AccuWeather, The World-Herald’s weather consultant. Some light snow also was possible in northeast Iowa.
Rain was more of a problem in eastern Missouri, which has been hit with flooding.
Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports reported many cancellations and delays because of the snowy weather.
This morning, most Chicago-area flights into and out of Omaha’s Eppley Airfield were canceled or delayed.
United Airlines, for example, canceled Flight 7921 from O’Hare to Omaha. That meant the return flight from Eppley to O’Hare scheduled 40 minutes later had to be canceled. The airline also canceled an early afternoon flight to Omaha.
Southwest Airlines was able to get an early-morning flight to Eppley from Midway.
Kerry Schwindenhammer, a forecaster with AccuWeather, said the snow was supposed to last into the evening in the Chicago area. Temperatures Saturday were expected in the upper 30s, meaning some melting was expected, but much of the snow would remain on the ground.
Rose White, a spokeswoman for AAA Nebraska, said travelers should be aware of the weather conditions at their destinations, whether they are flying or driving.
For those flying, AAA advises that travelers should expect delays and make sure they have phone numbers handy for their airline or travel agent.
White said it also may be a good idea for travelers connecting through Chicago or Milwaukee to see if they can fly elsewhere for that leg of the trip.
"Check with a travel agency or air carrier to see if there’s any changes you can make to your travel plans — see if you go through another city," she said.
Extra fees may apply, however, for making last-minute flight changes.
The delays and cancellations taking place today probably will ripple throughout the weekend in those cities.
High temperatures in the Omaha area on Saturday were expected to be in the upper 40s to possibly 50 degrees.
Western Nebraska may see temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s Saturday, with some rain and snow possible.
For Easter on Sunday, dry weather is forecast across Nebraska. Omaha temperatures should be in the upper 40s, according to AccuWeather. Central and western Nebraska will see temperatures in the mid-50s.
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