Aurora, Ill. – Heavy overnight storms have left large portions of northeast Illinois under water, with a Flood Warning in effect for Kane, Kendall and Will counties until noon Sunday. Low-lying streets, underpasses and neighborhood intersections are already swamped, forcing early morning drivers to reroute around closures.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, Doppler radar indicated 3 to 5 inches of rainfall overnight, with thunderstorms redeveloping over the region at sunrise. Another inch of rain is possible before conditions begin to improve by early afternoon.
Communities hardest hit include Aurora, Joliet, Naperville’s southwest side, Bolingbrook, Romeoville and Plainfield. Local officials are reporting water over roads in several spots, including near U.S. 30 in Joliet and along Route 34 through Oswego. In addition, creeks in Sugar Grove and Montgomery are spilling into adjacent neighborhoods.
Residents are urged to avoid travel this morning if possible. The weather service warns most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles, urging drivers not to attempt crossing water-covered roads. Power outages and slow drainage in urban neighborhoods may extend flooding impacts through much of the day.
The warning remains in effect until noon, though additional advisories could follow if storms persist into the afternoon.
