Chicago had massive problems around Christmas due to snow, fog and torrential rains,flooding and then ice (4" thick in my driveway). People on canceled airline flights were being delayed as much as five to six days. All appears to be back to normal BUT the massive snow build up in the Pacific Northwest is now subject to the kind of weather we got in Chicago. Namely torrential rains that will melt the snow cover and cause massive flooding - possibly the worst in history. The news I heard last night said they fully expect I-5 to be closed. No doubt there will be wash outs and possibly bridge damage that will throw everything to and from that area off schedule. I think most people understand that weather is an act of God. What can not be accepted is being told anything but the truth as to what is going on. As a side note there was a woman who spent three days at O’Hare trying to get to Cedar Rapids Iowa. I would have rented a car but she slept in the airport for three days. Where has common sense gone in life?
I totally agree. Cedar Rapids would be a 4.5 to 5 hr. drive taking into account bad weather from O’Hare. I’ve done some contingency planning for my train trip to Ann Arbor and part of that is having telephone numbers handy for Hertz in Chicago.
Here is another possible option for you. A Chicago El runs between O’Hare and the loop for about two bucks. The station is near the Hilton hotel in the center of the terminals and is a very well kept secret (Gotta keep all those limo drivers in business who contribute to the Chicago political machine you know). If the South Shore is running you would only have to walk a couple of blocks to Randolph street station from the loop. It now ends at the South Bend airport where you could rent a car for a much shorter drive to Ann Arbor.