CHICAGO — The National Weather Service issued an urgent flash flood warning for the city on Friday, calling on over 600,000 residents to “take immediate action” amid rising waters and a renewed wave of torrential rainfall.
By late afternoon, storms had already unleashed 3 to 5 inches of rain in various neighborhoods, flooding viaducts and forcing drivers and pedestrians alike to navigate submerged streets. With additional rainfall forecast into Saturday, officials warned that conditions may worsen rapidly.
Torrential Rain Floods Streets, Highways, and Homes
Meteorologists with ABC7 Chicago predicted continued downpours through Friday night, with storms persisting into Saturday afternoon. Already, dramatic footage shared online showed Chicagoans wading through knee- and waist-deep water in parts of the city.
A particularly flooded viaduct was reported near Drake Avenue between 47th Street and Archer Avenue, with traffic impacted on Interstate 55 near First Avenue. Additional disruptions were seen near 58th Street and Harlem Avenue, where motorists were forced to abandon vehicles or carefully inch through the flooded streets.
The NWS stressed the severity of the situation, stating on X (formerly Twitter):
“A Flash Flood Warning means rapid-onset flooding is imminent or may already be occurring. Persons along creeks, drainage ditches, and other waterways should take immediate precautions to protect life and property.”
Airports, Public Services Experience Disruptions
Severe weather also created significant travel issues. Midway Airport reported flight delays up to 45 minutes, while O’Hare International experienced ground holds and 25-minute lags. These disruptions come at a time of high summer travel, further complicating weekend plans for many.
Meanwhile, municipal services faced their own challenges:
- In Mount Greenwood, water pressure dropped due to a power malfunction at the Southwest Pumping Station.
- In Darien, flooding at the 1710 Plainfield Road police facility caused water damage to evidence rooms and prompted a brief power outage, according to Deputy Police Chief Jason Norton.
Flash Flood Alert and Advisory Still Active
As of Friday afternoon, the Flash Flood Warning remained active until 2:45 p.m., with a Flood Advisory extended until 6 p.m. The storm system, however, was still far from over, with forecasts suggesting lingering rainfall and saturated ground conditions into the weekend.
Residents are advised to:
- Avoid flooded roads and underpasses
- Monitor alerts via NWS and city emergency systems
- Stay indoors if possible and have a preparedness kit ready
What’s Next?
With more rain in the forecast and the ground already soaked, the risk of additional flash flooding and infrastructure strain remains high. City officials are monitoring storm drains, viaducts, and power stations, while emergency services remain on high alert.
How are the floods affecting your neighborhood?
Have you experienced property damage or travel disruptions during these storms? Share your stories or photos in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and let your neighbors know what to expect.
