Springfield, Illinois – Heavy rain drenched Central and Western Illinois overnight, with Burlington and Stark County both reporting more than 2 inches of rainfall by early Saturday. Low-lying areas west of the Illinois River faced the most significant impact, as standing water lingered on roadways and minor flooding threatened rural communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, the highest 24-hour rainfall—2.35 inches—came from a CoCoRaHS observer just south of Wyoming, IL in Stark County. Totals of 1.24 inches in Quincy, 1.61 in Macomb, and 1.24 in Burlington highlight a narrow corridor of heavy precipitation, while Springfield, Lincoln, and Bloomington received less than half an inch.
Localized ponding made travel hazardous across U.S. 24, IL-78, and county roads near the IL River. Peoria’s 0.69 inches and Carlinville’s 0.47 inches left urban storm drains flowing but below flood stage. Eastern cities like Champaign and Bloomington saw lighter amounts—below 0.10 inches—keeping conditions manageable for morning drivers.
Residents in the hardest-hit areas are advised to avoid flooded roads, keep storm drains clear, and monitor basement sump pumps. This soaking brings welcome relief to dry fields but also raises short-term flooding risk in Stark, Knox, Hancock, and Adams counties—especially through Saturday afternoon.
Rain chances diminish by evening, with drier and cooler weather expected through Sunday. More advisories could be issued if flooding worsens, so stay tuned for updates.
