More than 500 flights cancelled in Chicago amid sleet, high winds

Chicago airports have cancelled more than 500 flights as freezing rain and high winds hit the U.S. Midwest city Monday during one of the busiest travel times of the year.

Sleet and high winds also caused delays ranging from 15 to 45 minutes at O'Hare International Airport for inbound and outbound flights.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Chicago area that will remain effective until 3 p.m. Monday, as well as a high wind warning that will be in effect from 1 to 7 p.m. Monday, for sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph, with gusting up to 60 mph along the lakeshore.

By midday, viewing from high rises, Chicago has had a coat of snow, despite that it is sleet in the air.

Chicago Tribune quoted a meteorologist as saying that the areas that could suffer the most under the winter storm will be the north and northwest parts of Illinois.