Springfield, IL – Drivers across Illinois could face water-covered roads and rapidly rising creeks through Saturday as repeated rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms move across the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, multiple waves of showers and storms are expected to track over the same areas through the weekend. Rain may fall steadily at times, with heavier downpours capable of overwhelming low-lying and poor-drainage areas. Officials warn that localized flooding is possible, especially where soils are already saturated.
Central and southern Illinois appear most vulnerable to heavier totals, including communities along the Interstate 55 and Interstate 57 corridors. Springfield, Decatur and Effingham could see periods of intense rainfall that reduce visibility and create ponding during peak travel times. In the Chicago metro area and northern Illinois, steady rain and embedded thunderstorms may slow commutes and swell smaller streams.
Emergency managers urge residents to avoid driving through flooded roadways. Just a few inches of moving water can stall or sweep away a vehicle. Charge mobile devices, clear storm drains near your property and monitor local alerts in case additional advisories are issued.
The unsettled pattern may persist into early next week, and more flood-related alerts could follow if storms repeatedly track over the same counties.
Five Day Forecast for Springfield, Illinois
Wednesday: Periods of rain and thunderstorms, locally heavy. High near 60.
Thursday: Showers likely with scattered storms. High in the lower 60s.
Friday: Rain continues at times, isolated thunder. High mid-60s.
Saturday: Showers and storms, flooding risk remains. High upper 60s.
Sunday: Chance of lingering showers, gradual improvement late. High near 65.
