Chicago, IL – Heavy downpours and thunderstorms are slamming northern Illinois Friday night into Saturday, triggering a Flood Watch across much of the region and raising the risk for flash flooding on roads and in low-lying areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the Flood Watch remains in effect through 7 p.m. Saturday for Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and surrounding counties, including parts of northwest Indiana. Some storms may drop rainfall rates over 2 inches per hour, overwhelming drainage systems and causing rapid flooding in urban and poorly drained zones.
Several rounds of storms are expected through Saturday evening, especially south of I-88. Streets, streams, and basements are all at risk. The strongest cells may also bring damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Drivers in metro areas like Chicago, Naperville, Joliet, and Evanston should plan for ponding water and rapidly changing road conditions. Avoid underpasses and stay off flooded roads. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider moving valuables off the floor and clearing debris from gutters and storm drains.
The greatest threat will ease by Saturday night, but isolated thunderstorms could persist into early Sunday. Excessive heat returns Monday, with highs nearing 94°F in Chicago.
🗓️ Five-Day Weather Snapshot – Chicago Metro
- Saturday: Thunderstorms likely. High 82°F. Up to 2” of rain possible. Flood Watch until 7 p.m.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, slight chance of storms. High 87°F. Humid.
- Monday: Mostly sunny and hot. High 94°F. Heat index up to 100°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny and warm. High 87°F.
- Wednesday: Isolated thunderstorms possible. High 80°F.
⚠️ Stay alert for additional advisories and monitor local emergency alerts through Saturday night.
