Climate
Chicago record rainfall causes widespread flooding and power outages
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) reversed the flow of the Chicago River to help alleviate the flooding in the area
July 3, 2023 8:44am
Updated: July 3, 2023 8:44am
Chicago is experiencing a record-breaking rainfall, causing widespread flooding and power outages ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued hazardous weather alerts, warning city residents of “significant, life-threatening flooding” on Sunday morning. Residents of Chicago, Oak Lawn, and Cicero also saw flash flood warnings.
Significant #Flooding in #Chicago, #Illinois suburbs - Cicero, IL. Incredible drone/video of all the streets, homes, cars, and people in deep water. #ILwx #Chiwx
— Chicago & Midwest Storm Chasers (@ChicagoMWeather) July 3, 2023
Contact Curtislergner@gmail.com for licensing. pic.twitter.com/vyA9ge89KY
Chicago saw a record 2.27 inches of rain, breaking the city’s previous record for July 2 of 2.06 inches in 1982, according to NWS. Some areas, such as Berwyn, Garfield Park, and Lincoln Park saw more than 7 inches of rain on Sunday.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) reversed the flow of the Chicago River to help alleviate the flooding in the area.
“To minimize overbank flooding and to mitigate the impact of the storm event, we have reversed the flow of the Chicago Area Waterway System to Lake Michigan at the Wilmette Pumping Station,” the MWRDGC said.
Just insane. The river walk between Lake and State St is closed due to flooding. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District says to reduce the overbank flooding, they have reversed the flow of the Chicago area waterway system. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/rLiootbTWA
— Shardaa Gray (@ShardaaGrayTV) July 2, 2023
As a result of the heavy rains, more than 7,000 people were left without power on Sunday, according to a ComEd outage map. The number had decreased by 5,000 by Sunday evening.
The rains also forced the Chicago Transit Authority to shut down two train lines in the city. The Blue Line trains were halted between UIC/Halstead and Forest Park and the service for the pink line trains was suspended between Pulaski and 54th/Cermak.
Some parts of Interstate Highway 55 and 290 were also shut down in both directions due to flooding, according to the Illinois State Police. Several vehicles remained stuck amid the rising waters, according to ABC 7 News.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reversed the flow of the Chicago River as the downtown continued to see flooding.
Chicago northern suburban friends. Avoid taking 90/94 into Chicago. Flooding by Foster and Peterson exits heading East/South into the City. #chicago #ChicagoStreetRace #chicagorain #edens pic.twitter.com/frpqpBqxv1
— Rashid Ghazi (@rashghazi) July 2, 2023
