Chicago, Illinois – Major flooding snarled travel across northern Illinois Tuesday morning after a powerful storm system dumped over 7 inches of rain in some areas from late Monday through early Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, several rounds of thunderstorms moved across the region starting Monday afternoon, with the heaviest rain falling along the I-80 and I-88 corridors. The town of Paw Paw recorded 7.02 inches, while nearby Crestwood and Ogden Dunes saw totals exceeding 5 inches.
Localized flash flooding forced closures on several low-lying roads, especially near Paw Paw, Romeoville, and Whiting, Indiana. Commuters faced water-covered streets, and emergency crews responded to stalled vehicles overnight.
Urban areas including Chicago’s south suburbs and parts of northwest Indiana were hit particularly hard, with 2 to 3 inches falling in less than six hours. Rainfall rates overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to rapid street flooding.
Motorists are urged to avoid flooded roads and use caution through Tuesday evening, as water may linger in poorly drained areas. Additional rainfall is not expected, but runoff could continue affecting traffic and low-lying neighborhoods.
Warnings remain in effect for lingering flood zones; residents should monitor updates from local emergency officials.
