Millions in Major City Warned of Floods as 'Torrential' Storms Hit
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Millions of residents in a major Midwest city are under a flood watch on Tuesday afternoon as National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists warn of torrential rains that could overwhelm creeks and streams.
Why It Matters
The Flood Watch covered highly developed portions of the Chicago metropolitan area where impermeable surfaces and local drainage patterns can accelerate runoff and concentrate water in streets, underpasses and low-lying neighborhoods.
It comes just a few days after heavy rainfall pummeled other parts of the Midwest over the weekend, prompting Wisconsin to cancel its state fair after parts of Milwaukee saw more than a foot of rain.
What to Know
The NWS office in Chicago issued a Flood Watch at 11:33 AM CDT on Tuesday, placing portions of northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana under a watch through the evening for possible flash flooding as showers and thunderstorms moved through the region.
Newsweek reached out to NWS Chicago by phone and by email for comment.
A motorist drives through standing water in a flooded underpass on April 18, 2013, in Chicago, Illinois.
A motorist drives through standing water in a flooded underpass on April 18, 2013, in Chicago, Illinois.
Scott Olson/Getty
The watch covered central, northern and southern Cook County, DuPage County, northern and southern Will County and parts of northwest Indiana, including Lake County.
The NWS warned that "flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible" with atmospheric conditions favoring "rainfall rates up to 1-2 inches per hour." The agency said urban runoff and elevated near-surface soil moisture could increase flood risk in areas with poor drainage.
Creeks and streams could rise out of their banks, the watch noted, and underpasses, roads and streets could flood, risks that can strand vehicles and hamper emergency access.
The watch listed affected jurisdictions and named communities across northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana, including Chicago, Joliet, Naperville, Oak Lawn, Evanston and Gary, among others.
In addition to the heavy rainfall, the area is also expecting isolated strong winds as the storms move through.
What People Are Saying
NWS Chicago in a flood watch: "A Flood Watch for flash flooding means rapid-onset flooding is possible, but not yet certain, based upon the latest forecasts. Flash flooding is a dangerous situation. Persons with interests along area rivers, creeks, and other waterways should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action should flooding develop."
NWS Chicago in a hazardous weather outlook: "Scattered to numerous showers and storms are expected this afternoon and evening. Torrential rainfall and isolated instances of flooding are the main threats, but localized strong downburst winds will be possible."
What Happens Next
The flood watch is scheduled to remain in effect through this evening. Residents in the impacted areas should monitor local weather forecasts and be prepared should flooding develop.
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