Chicago, Illinois – A flood watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday across the Chicago metro and surrounding counties as slow-moving thunderstorms threaten to overwhelm drainage systems and flood urban streets.
According to the National Weather Service, Cook, Will, DuPage, and eight other counties in northern and central Illinois are at risk for flash flooding as storms capable of dropping up to 2 inches of rain per hour develop throughout the afternoon. The ground remains saturated in many areas after Tuesday’s rainfall, increasing the threat of rapid runoff and street-level flooding.
Urban areas such as downtown Chicago, Joliet, Naperville, and Kankakee may see flooded intersections, waterlogged underpasses, and rising creeks by mid-afternoon. Drivers are urged to avoid low-lying roads and not attempt to cross water-covered streets. Local transit delays are also possible if water collects on tracks or bus routes.
Residents should secure valuables in basements, charge phones in case of power outages, and monitor alerts from emergency management. This is the second flood watch in as many weeks for parts of northeastern Illinois, underscoring a wet and stormy start to summer.
Storms are expected to taper off by late evening, but another round of heavy rain is possible later this week. Updates will be issued as conditions evolve.
