Scared Passengers Tweet from O’Hare Tarmac During Derecho
Severe weather emergencies can be terrifying, especially when caught unprepared. Such was the scenario for several airline passengers stranded in their planes on the tarmac of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport when a Tornado warning was issued this past Monday night.
Lightning and Shaking Planes
According to firsthand reports and videos shared on social media platforms, lightning could be seen striking outside of plane windows while planes were visibly shaking. Passengers expressed fear, discomfort, and confusion as they attempted to make sense of the unfolding situation.
Delayed Take-Offs and The Derecho Phenomenon
The atmospheric disturbance responsible for this chaotic event is referred to as a Derecho. Common in the Midwest region, a Derecho is a widely spread, long-lived wind storm that is accompanied by a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. It can cause significant damage, akin to the damage caused by tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
With the Derecho bearing down on the airport, planes were unable to get permission for take-off, leaving passengers to wait out the storm on the tarmac. Many passengers, understandably scared, took to Twitter to share videos and photographs of lightning in the distance, shaking planes, and the dark, ominous storm clouds approaching.
The Airport Under Siege
O’Hare International Airport, being one of the busiest airports in the world, had to suspend their operations temporarily, causing significant disruption in their schedule. The emergency protocol requires grounding all flights during such intense weather conditions to ensure the safety of the passengers.
These procedural delays, though necessary, resulted in numerous passengers finding themselves stuck on the tarmac in their respective aircraft, waiting out the aggressive storm. Despite the initial shock and fear, passengers reported that the flight crews did their best to maintain calm, repeatedly reassuring everyone of their safety.
A Stark Reminder of Climate Change?
Incidents like these serve as impactful reminders of the severity and unpredictable nature of weather conditions in this era of climate change. It becomes essential to raise awareness about the impact of such violent weather patterns on our lives, emphasizing the need for preparedness and proper emergency response mechanisms.
For some passengers, the Derecho phenomenon was a fresh encounter, leaving them with a newly acquired knowledge of this particular weather system. Thanks to the rapid sharing of information on social media platforms, an otherwise isolated and traumatic event was turned into an opportunity for education and awareness around severe weather patterns.
The Derecho event at O’Hare International Airport will undoubtedly leave an indelible impression on those passengers stuck on the tarmac, and perhaps an invaluable lesson in the fierce and unrelenting power of Mother Nature.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
