Residents of Chicago and surrounding areas are urged to take immediate precautions in response to a flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) on Friday.
Approximately 600,000 individuals are affected by this warning, which emphasizes the need to protect life and property due to the threat of swift and dangerous flash flooding.
The NWS alerted the public at 11:43 a.m. Central Daylight Time, designating the warning for east central Cook County and southeastern DuPage County, areas that include significant portions of Chicago and several neighboring communities.
The warning remains in effect until 2:45 p.m. CDT, as heavy thunderstorms are producing considerable rainfall in these regions.
Radar and automated rain gauges indicated that up to 2 inches of rain had already fallen by the time the alert was issued, and additional heavy rain was imminent.
Officials conveyed that flash flooding was either ongoing or expected to commence shortly, affecting creeks, streams, drainage ditches, streets, underpasses, and low-lying areas susceptible to poor drainage.
“A Flash Flood Warning means rapid-onset flooding is imminent or may already be occurring,” stated NWS Chicago in its alert.
Residents near creeks, drainage ditches, and other waterways are advised to take immediate precautions to safeguard their lives and assets.
Key areas under the warning include densely populated neighborhoods and critical infrastructure like Midway Airport.
Notable neighborhoods and suburbs identified in the alert are Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Bridgeport, South Shore, Burbank, Brookfield, Hinsdale, La Grange, Justice, Summit, Burr Ridge, Ashburn, Brighton Park, New City, Auburn Gresham, and Hyde Park.
The NWS emphasized that the majority of flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles, highlighting the importance of avoiding travel on flooded roads.
In addition to the flash flood warning, a flood watch and flood advisory have also been issued for the region.
Rain amounts of approximately 2.77 inches have already been recorded at Midway Airport, underscoring the severity of the situation.
NWS meteorologist Casey Sullivan remarked to Newsweek about the weather patterns typical for this time of year, indicating that the steering winds aloft tend to be slower in July and August, potentially leading to slower-moving storms.
As noted in a flood watch advisory, “Slow moving showers and thunderstorms with torrential rainfall will produce locally very heavy rainfall today.”
Rainfall totals of 2 to 5 inches or more are anticipated in localized areas, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding throughout the afternoon.
Although the heavy rain responsible for the current flooding has shifted south and weakened, the flash flood warning remains active until the designated time.
Residents in the impacted communities are advised to remain vigilant, adhere to emergency officials’ instructions, and keep updated by monitoring local news and weather advisories.
Flash flooding can lead to infrastructure damage, disrupt transportation systems, and cause power outages, necessitating preparedness from all residents.
image source from：newsweek
