CHICAGO — A powerful storm system brought devastating flash flooding to Chicago on Friday, drenching the city in torrential rain and triggering widespread disruptions. Streets became impassable, flights were delayed, and neighborhoods scrambled to recover from submerged roads and overwhelmed infrastructure.
Flood Warnings and Rapid Rainfall Spark Emergency Alerts
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued urgent flash flood warnings for DuPage and Cook counties, reporting rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches in just a few hours. Some areas experienced rainfall rates topping 2 inches per hour, creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike.
By midafternoon Friday, the Flash Flood Warning remained active until 2:45 p.m., with a Flood Watch extended through 6 p.m.. Residents were advised to avoid low-lying areas and remain indoors as more storms were expected throughout the weekend.
Submerged Streets, Stranded Vehicles, and Urban Chaos
Major roadways across the city flooded, including parts of Drake Avenue, 47th Street, and Archer Avenue, leaving vehicles stranded and traffic paralyzed. Even major highways like Interstate 55 near First Avenue were submerged.
Videos posted to social media showed residents wading through knee-deep water, particularly in areas near 58th Street and Harlem Avenue. Emergency crews were deployed to pump water and perform rescues as needed.
One report from Travel And Tour World highlighted how severe rainfall overwhelmed infrastructure, submerging streets and contributing to hazardous travel conditions across multiple Chicago neighborhoods.
Air Travel Takes a Hit at O’Hare and Midway
The flooding also impacted air travel, with delays reported at both of Chicago’s major airports:
- Midway Airport: Delays of up to 45 minutes
- O’Hare International Airport: Delays of around 25 minutes
Flights were grounded or delayed due to low visibility, thunderstorms, and airport ground stops during the peak of the storm.
Damage to Local Infrastructure and City Services
The impact of the storm went beyond travel. In Mount Greenwood, the Southwest Pumping Station experienced electrical problems, reducing water pressure to surrounding neighborhoods. In Darien, floodwaters damaged the police department, compromising evidence rooms and causing a temporary power outage.
Areas like Pinewood Park saw multiple vehicles trapped in high water, with first responders assisting drivers and residents.
Funnel Clouds, Saturated Soil, and Weekend Flooding Risk
Though no tornadoes were confirmed, funnel clouds were reported in LaSalle County and parts of southern Cook County, adding to the overall storm anxiety. The saturated ground from prior storms increases the chance of additional flooding, even with moderate rainfall expected over the weekend.
The NWS is closely monitoring conditions and has advised residents to stay off the roads and prepare for more severe weather into Sunday.
Key Takeaways from Friday’s Flash Floods
- Flash flood warnings issued for Cook and DuPage Counties
- Road closures and hazardous driving conditions citywide
- Delays at Midway and O’Hare airports
- Mount Greenwood and Darien infrastructure affected
- Emergency crews conducted rescues and drained flooded zones
- More rain expected, raising continued flood risk through the weekend
Have you been affected by the flash flooding in your neighborhood or during your commute? Share your photos and stories with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com to help highlight areas still needing support.
