Storm Interrupts John Wayne, LAX Flights

Wicked winter weather hitting the Midwest delayed or canceled a number of flights coming in to John Wayne and Los Angeles International airports Friday.

Outgoing flights also experienced delays as a heavy snowstorm barreled Chicago Friday.

Authorities have canceled dozens of incoming and outgoing flights at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. At John Wayne Airport, American and United Airlines are being the hardest hit by the delays, with passengers waiting hours to pick up loved ones and for outgoing flights.

Delays to the Chicago area were averaging more than 5½ hours out of LAX, according to Los Angeles World Airports, which operates the airport.

"They aren't telling us anything. They aren't making any announcement," said Robert Mercer, whose American Airlines flight to New Orleans was shuffled from gate to gate and delayed more than seven hours after being diverted to LAX Friday morning.

Snow, sleet and freezing rain descended on Chicago on Friday. The storm was predicted to drop 3 to 7 inches of snow.

Airport officials are asking travelers to check with their airlines for delays and cancellations.

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