Record-setting rainfall in Chicago area leaves over 7,000 without power
Record-setting rainfall left more than 7,000 people without power Sunday across the area and forced the Chicago Transit Authority to shut down two train lines.
The National Weather Service issued a warning for “significant, life-threatening flooding” in the city and nearby suburbs Sunday morning. Flash flood warnings for Chicago, Oak Lawn and Cicero were in effect until 6:30 p.m.
By noon, O’Hare airport had recorded 2.27 inches of rain, breaking Chicago’s previous record for July 2 of 2.06 inches set in 1982, according to the weather service. More than 7 inches of rain have fallen in some areas.
The weather service warned Sunday afternoon that the Chicago River was close to flooding. “Persons along rivers and streams in the warned area should take immediate precautions to protect life and property,” NWS said.
More than 7,000 people were reportedly without power as of 1:05 p.m., according to a ComEd outage map. That number decreased to under 5,000 by 2:50 p.m.
Blue Line trains were halted between UIC/Halsted and Forest Park shortly after 11 a.m. and began to run again about 3:25 p.m. before trains were again halted between UIC/Halsted and Kedzie less than half an hour later, according to the CTA. Pink Line trains between Pulaski and 54th/Cermak remained shut down well into the afternoon.
A plow clears water in the closed eastbound lanes of Interstate 290 amid record rainfall Sunday. Nader Issa/Sun-Times
More than 200 Chicago residents submitted complaints of water in their basement to 311 on Sunday, according to the city’s website. Most of the complaints were from the West and Southwest Sides of the city.
Interstate 290 eastbound at Des Plaines Avenue remained closed and was “impassible” as of 2:30 p.m., according to officials.
Interstate 55 was temporarily closed but has since reopened, Illinois State Police said.
A driver turns around as it approaches a road under a flooded viaduct near the 300 block of North Sacramento Boulevard, Sunday, July 2, 2023. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A spokesperson with Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications couldn’t confirm whether any city streets were closed.
The office “is monitoring weather conditions with the National Weather Service in Chicago and coordinating efforts with the Department of Water Management, Chicago Department of Transportation, Streets and Sanitation, CTA and other agencies through the Emergency Operations Center,” the office said in a statement.
“We urge motorists to use caution and avoid driving through standing water on streets, viaducts and low-lying areas. Residents can call 3-1-1, visit 311.chicago.org or use the CHI311 app to report water in your basement, standing water in the street or viaduct flooding,” the agency said.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
