Chicago, IL – Damaging storms brought heavy rain to the Chicago area over the weekend, flooding expressways, viaducts, and homes, leaving thousands without power and forcing residents to deal with repeated damage.
Flooded Roads and Expressways
Parts of the Chicago area saw 2 to 5 inches of rain Saturday evening into the overnight hours, according to ABC7 Chicago meteorologists. The storms quickly flooded several roadways, trapping drivers and causing widespread power outages.
Cars became stranded in floodwaters near West 47th Street and South Archer Avenue and near East 95th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue, with multiple vehicles requiring tow assistance.
Power Outages and Restoration
Approximately 215,000 ComEd customers were affected by two rounds of storms Saturday evening and early Sunday. By Sunday evening, crews had restored power to 90% of affected customers, with full restoration expected by Monday.
Damage to Homes and Buildings
The storms hit the northwest suburbs particularly hard, with Mount Prospect and Des Plaines experiencing significant damage. In these areas, the storms ripped the roof off an apartment building, adding to the cleanup challenges for residents still recovering from previous flooding events. Across Chicago’s Southwest Side, residents were cleaning basements and assessing property damage as waters receded.
Ongoing Concerns and Safety
Illinois State Police reported that the Stevenson Expressway had been shut down at Pulaski due to flooding but has since reopened. While rain continued south of Interstate 88 on Sunday morning, damaging winds were no longer a threat. Officials emphasized the importance of staying alert for localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas, and advised drivers to avoid flooded roadways.
Looking Ahead
With storms expected to subside for the remainder of the day, residents can begin recovery efforts, but questions remain about long-term solutions to prevent recurring flooding. FEMA had been surveying impacts in areas such as Gage Park, highlighting ongoing concerns about infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness.
Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay informed about changing weather conditions and to take necessary precautions to ensure safety in flood-prone areas.
Share your experiences with flooding and recovery efforts in the Chicago area in the comments below. Your insights can help others prepare and stay safe during severe weather events.
