Waukegan, Illinois – Up to 2 inches of rain per hour could drench Lake, Cook, and surrounding northern Illinois counties as repeated downpours threaten flash flooding until 1 p.m. Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a Flood Watch remains in effect through early Wednesday afternoon for a large portion of northern Illinois, including Boone, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, and Winnebago counties, as well as northwest Indiana. Each round of storms may bring locally intense rainfall rates, rapidly overwhelming drainage systems in urban neighborhoods.
Major cities like Chicago, Elgin, Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan face the highest risk for fast-rising water along streets and low-lying areas. Officials urge residents to avoid flood-prone intersections and never drive across water-covered roadways. Those living near rivers, creeks, or basements should monitor local alerts, check sump pumps, and keep devices charged in case of emergency.
This flood threat comes as northern Illinois experiences one of its wettest summers in recent years. Residents are advised to stay alert for possible updated warnings or extended advisories as rain continues through Wednesday.
