Winter Storm Hercules Blows into Athens

Flying out to O'Hare International Airport today? Expect to face long delays because of snow and ice in Chicago.

O'Hare is experiencing delays averaging 2 hours and 31 minutes as of 10:30 a.m. today, Jan. 2.

Winter Storm Hercules is wreaking havoc on travel. The Weather Channel forecast predicts that more than 100 million people in the Midwest and Northeast will be affected. Winter weather advisories and warnings are in place from eastern Illinois east through Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, all the way to the northeastern states.

The storm will extend south far enough to affect north Georgia.

Athens will be under a wind advisory from 5 p.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City. North and central Georgia will have northwest winds of 20-25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph.

Those high winds may down some trees. Anyone driving a high profile vehicle may find it difficult to drive with the gusty winds.

Avoid heading outside tonight. The gusting winds and low temperatures will create significant wind chill values.

The National Weather Service predicts a low Thursday night of 26 and a Friday high of 38. North Georgia will be even colder. 

"If you must be outside for long periods of time, make sure you cover all exposed skin from the wind," the National Weather Service advised.

Unsecured trash cans, deck and patio furniture may be blown over as well.