Unreal’ rains flood homes, knock out power and put Chicago on the cusp of wettest May ever
Torrential downpours hit the Chicago area on Sunday, causing widespread disruption. The rainfall at O’Hare reached a record-breaking 3.29 inches, surpassing the previous record of 2.06 inches set in 1982. Some areas experienced more than double the amount of rainfall since 7 a.m. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for Cook County until 6:30 p.m., and a Beach Hazard Statement remained in effect until 9 p.m.
The rain on Sunday marked the wettest day in Chicago since May 17, 2020, with certain areas receiving up to eight inches of rain. This placed it among the top 100 wettest days in the city’s recorded history. The heaviest rainfall occurred in the city and near west suburbs, with areas like Berwyn reporting eight inches, Midway Airport reporting almost five inches, and Lincoln Park reporting over seven inches.
The excessive rain led to flooding in various areas, including the Chicago River, which approached the flood stage. The city reversed the river’s flow to direct rainwater into Lake Michigan, and the Riverwalk was closed. The City of Chicago advised residents to conserve water usage during the storm.
Numerous neighborhoods experienced flooding, with videos showing streets, viaducts, and cars submerged in several feet of water. Firefighters reported basements with up to five feet of water in the 4900 block of West Augusta. The flooded conditions also impacted expressways, resulting in lane closures and traffic disruptions.
A reminder was issued to exercise caution while driving in heavy rain. Although a police officer got stuck in deep standing water, no injuries were reported.
#ChicagoWeather #RainFloods #ExtremeWeather #CityUnderWater #ClimateChangeImpact