A winter storm that dropped up to eight inches of snow in the north suburbs prompted airlines to cancel more than 200 flights and sent snowplows to the streets Thursday night.

 

Freezing rain changed to snow Thursday afternoon, but there was little accumulation in the city, according to the National Weather Service.

 

The city dispatched snow-fighting trucks to salt the roads in time for the evening rush, according to a statement from the city. The Illinois Tollway deployed its full fleet of 182 plows Thursday afternoon, according to a release. The plows will patrol the 286 miles of toll road in 12 counties in northern Illinois.

 

Airlines canceled more than 225 flights at O’Hare International Airport, where delays averaged 60 minutes, according to the city Department of Aviation. Midway International Airport reported “a dozen” flights delayed 30 minutes or more with minor cancellations.

 

The snow is expected to stop by midnight, but flurries could continue until noon Friday, according to the weather service.

 

While little or no snow accumulated in the city, portions of Lake and McHenry counties received four to eight inches of snow, the weather service said. The far northwestern suburbs have about one to four inches of accumulation.

 

The weather service warned residents not to over exert themselves while shoveling the heavy “heart attack snow.”

 

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