Heavy rain disrupts commutes, Lollapalooza as more flooding hits Chicago area

Chicagoans might get a break from the rain Sunday after the latest round of soggy weather disrupted traffic, flooded more homes and upended the schedule at Day 3 of Lollapalooza.

Forecasters expected drier conditions arrive into Sunday with highs in the mid-70s, according to the National Weather Service.

NWS meteorologist David King said Saturday’s highest rainfall totals in the area fell in eastern Kendall County, where up to 4 inches of rain fell, while parts of far northeastern Will County and eastern DuPage County from Downers Grove to Elmhurst were soaked with 2 to 3 inches.

“A constant stream of intermittent showers” prompted flash flood warnings across the area, King said.

“It’s been a good soaking rain for much of the area,” he said. “If you’re traveling, be a little more cautious and allow more room between you and the vehicle ahead.”

Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications was coordinating with city departments and other agencies in response to the storms, according to spokesperson Mary May.

Officials were still assessing the impact of the rainfall that came on the heels of several other storms this summer that have caused headaches for thousands of residents with flooding and seepage. Four tornadoes were confirmed in the weather system that raked the area last week.

Flooded roads posed hazards Saturday, as Illinois State Police responded at about 7:45 a.m. to southbound Interstate 55 at Joliet Road, with a report of water across all lanes, Sgt. Jason Wilson said.

There weren’t major roadway closures, crashes or stranded vehicles linked to flooding as of Saturday evening, but images posted to social media showed high standing water in west suburban Clarendon Hills, while part of a retaining wall appeared to have collapsed at the Lawrence Avenue exit on the Kennedy Expressway.

Residents with flooding in their homes should avoid touching wet electrical equipment or standing in water because of the risk of electrocution, May said.

Floodwater may also be contaminated and contain dangerous debris, and underground or downed power lines can electrically charge standing water, she said. The city also urged drivers to avoid passing through standing water on streets, viaducts and other low-lying areas.

State police encouraged motorists to slow down, increase following distances and avoid using cruise control if they encounter water on the roadway.

Wilson reiterated the importance of avoiding driving through floodwater and said residents should call 911 to report floodwater emergencies.

Chicago residents can report flooded basements, standing water on streets or viaduct flooding by visiting 311.chicago.gov, using the CHI311 app or calling 311. OEMC encourages residents to stay informed by enabling weather alerts on their mobile phones and monitoring local media, weather apps or weather radios for updates.