Chicago, Illinois – A powerful thunderstorm stalled over west-central Chicago Monday evening, dumping more than five inches of rain in under two hours and triggering flash flooding across multiple neighborhoods.
According to the National Weather Service, the worst flooding struck the I-90 and I-290 corridors between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on July 8. Radar estimates showed 2 to over 5 inches of rainfall, with one gauge west of the United Center reporting a staggering 5.14 inches in just 90 minutes.
The deluge inundated viaducts and low-lying streets, prompting multiple water rescues and reports of basement flooding. Two of the hardest-hit locations were 2 E Garfield Park, which logged 5.14 inches, and Ukrainian Village, where 2.78 inches fell. Areas near the Loop and Lower West Side also saw over 3 inches.
Residents were urged to avoid underpasses and poorly drained intersections, and to delay overnight travel. Emergency crews responded to several stranded vehicles and localized infrastructure strain.
Although rainfall tapered by midnight, urban flood advisories remained in effect through early Tuesday. More rain is possible later this week as humidity remains high across northern Illinois.
