Chicago did have a truly epic blizzard on Groundhog Day, 2011. 

My brother lives right on the north end of Lakeshore Drive and he could see all of the cars stopping and being buried by the almost 70 MPH winds right off Lake Michigan. 

Being on the 34th floor of his building he had the unique eperience of these fierce winds and the awesome effect of the thunder snow.

It did take two days for him to get out of his buiding's garage and head back out to the suburbs for work. Thank goodness for mobile work capabilities!

I found this link to photos from the event on Chicago Tribune's web site - http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-110201-monster-snowstorm-201... - there are some pretty interesting images.  I wonder if any members have first-hand photos or videos of this major event?

I will add more information as I find it or get it from my brother.