Nearly 1,000 flights have been canceled at Chicago airports as a winter storm wreaks havoc in the region, disrupting the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers.

(Photo: REUTERS/John Gress)A view of the Chicago skyline August 13, 2009.

The Chicago Department of Aviation has announced on Tuesday that more than 770 flights were canceled at O'Hare International Airport alone as up to 10 inches of snow is expected.

Northern Illinois will be one of the hardest hit areas in the region, according to estimates.

In addition to the canceled flights at O'Hare International Airport, there were also more than 215 flights canceled at Midway International Airport.

Although at present there were no significant delays reported at either of the airports, city aviation officials have advised travelers to check their flight schedules with their airlines prior to traveling to the airport.

O'Hare International Airport is located in the northwestern-most corner of Chicago, Illinois, 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Chicago Loop.

It is the primary airport serving the Chicago area, with Chicago Midway International Airport about 10 miles (16 km) closer to the Loop, serving as a secondary airport for intra-continental flights.