CHICAGO — Torrential rainfall Friday afternoon dumped nearly 5 inches of rain on parts of the Chicago metro area in just a few hours, triggering widespread flash flooding that disrupted both ground and air travel and left portions of the city waterlogged.
According to the National Weather Service, flash flooding was reported in several areas including Naperville, Washington Park, Burr Ridge, and across multiple neighborhoods in Chicago, as intense thunderstorms repeatedly trained over the region.
A Flash Flood Warning was issued for the south side of Chicago, where rainfall totals quickly reached between 3 to 5 inches. The sudden downpour overwhelmed drainage systems, causing roads, viaducts, and underpasses to flood rapidly.
At Chicago Midway Airport, weather sensors recorded 1.5 inches of rain in just 37 minutes. In less than 90 minutes, the total rose to 2.77 inches, demonstrating the sheer intensity of the rainfall. The downpours led to a ground stop at Midway, and delays were reported at both Midway and Chicago O’Hare International Airport for inbound and outbound flights.
On the roads, drivers on Interstate 55 were confronted with floodwaters. Videos shared on social media showed vehicles navigating deep water or stalled in submerged lanes.
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Some viaducts and underpasses across Chicago were completely filled with water, making travel impossible and posing serious safety risks. In one reported incident, a person became trapped inside a vehicle within a flooded viaduct, and emergency services were dispatched to assist.
The vehicle had to be towed out due to the depth of the water.
City crews were out in full force Friday evening to monitor flooding hotspots, clear storm drains, and respond to emergency calls. Officials warned that while rain was tapering off by the evening, residual flooding and dangerous travel conditions were expected to persist into the overnight hours.
The National Weather Service advised residents in affected areas to remain cautious, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and monitor local alerts for any additional watches or warnings.
