Chicago, Illinois – Rising water has shut down roads and slowed travel across Chicago and northwest Indiana Saturday after more than 1.5 inches of rain fell in just a few hours. A Flood Advisory remains in effect until 1:30 p.m., with street flooding and waterlogged underpasses reported from downtown Chicago to Gary and Merrillville.
According to the National Weather Service, thunderstorms dropped over an inch and a half of rain since sunrise, overwhelming drains in neighborhoods across Lake and Porter counties. Local law enforcement has closed some streets in Gary, Valparaiso, Schererville, and Portage as high water blocks lanes and floods intersections. Commuters should expect delays along I-90, US 30, and major city roads, especially near low-lying areas and underpasses.
Residents are urged to avoid flooded streets and underpasses, keep children and pets away from fast-moving water, and move vehicles to higher ground. Power outages and property damage are possible in poorly drained neighborhoods. If you see barricades or closed roads, turn around—don’t risk driving through standing water.
The Flood Advisory remains in effect through early Saturday afternoon, and additional rainfall could prompt more alerts. Stay tuned to weather.gov or local media for live updates as storms move east.
