Airlines cancel hundreds of flights in Chicago

[December 21, 2012]  CHICAGO (AP) -- About 1,000 flights have been canceled as a winter storm bears down on the Midwest.

The bulk of the flights are at Chicago's O'Hare and Midway international airports.

American Airlines canceled all of its O'Hare flights scheduled after 8 p.m. Thursday, saying it expected winds to make it "very difficult, if not impossible, to operate" out of the airport.

Southwest Airlines canceled all its Midway flights after 4:30 p.m.

Forecasters say rain will turn to snow by Thursday evening. The Chicago area could get 2 to 6 inches of snow in the Chicago area, with wind gusts up to 60 mph.

Airlines are waiving fees for some travelers who want to change their plans.

[Associated Press]

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