A flash flood warning was issued for several Chicago-area counties on Saturday evening, with the National Weather Service warning of significant flooding caused by earlier storms that delivered up to six inches of rain in parts of the region.
Earlier, the NWS issued an urgent flash flood warning for portions of Cook, DuPage and Kane counties, warning residents to avoid travel as significant flash flooding brought on by multiple inches of rain triggered “dangerous and life-threatening” situations.
Some residents in Kane County received an “Imminent Threat Alert” message from the NWS, urging them not to travel unless fleeing a flooded area or under an evacuation order.
Most recently, a flash flood warning was issued through 2 p.m. on Sunday for a portion of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will counties.
At around 6:50 p.m., the NWS said significant flooding was ongoing in some areas, with multiple roadways impassable and basements flooded. The agency said because heavy rainfall has ended, flood impacts aren’t expected to worsen of the next several hours. However, levels will continue to rise as water moves into rivers and streams.
Residents in the affected areas were advised to expect rapid-onset, significant flooding of creeks, streams, drainage ditches, low-lying areas and poor-drainage areas. Widespread street and underpass flooding was possible, as well as flooding on highways.
The following areas were among those that may experience flooding:
Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Schaumburg, Bolingbrook, Oak Lawn, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Bartlett, Streamwood, Carol Stream, Romeoville, Plainfield, Hanover Park, Glendale Heights, Woodridge, Oswego, Burbank, West Chicago, Warrenville, Darien, Westmont and Batavia.
According to the NWS, a flash flood warning is issued when rapid on-set flooding is imminent and may be occurring. Meteorologists advise those who encounter flooded roads “to turn around, not drown,” emphasizing most deaths occur in vehicles.
As the flash flood warning remains in effect, stay with the NBC 5 Storm Team for the latest updates.
