Northern Illinois Weather: 2+ Inches of Rain Triggers Flooding

Chicago, IL – Parts of northern Illinois were drenched by more than 3 inches of rain during persistent downpours Wednesday and Thursday, with the National Weather Service reporting ponding and minor flooding across the region.

According to the National Weather Service Chicago office, most locations near and north of Interstate 80 received more than 2 inches of rain from early Wednesday through Thursday, with several communities recording totals above 3 inches.

Oswego posted one of the highest observed two-day totals at 3.38 inches, followed by Burr Ridge at 3.25 inches and New Lenox at 3.14 inches.

Other significant totals included Mokena at 3.11 inches, another Oswego observation at 3.09 inches, Yorkville at 3.08 inches and Plainfield at 3.06 inches. Ottawa recorded 3.04 inches, while additional observations in New Lenox and Plainfield reached 3 inches.

Official NWS observations showed 2.74 inches at Romeoville, 2.30 inches at Chicago Rockford International Airport and 2.15 inches at O’Hare International Airport.

The heaviest rainfall totals were concentrated across portions of the western and southwestern Chicago suburbs and other communities along and north of the I-80 corridor.

The weather service said repeated waves of rain were heavy at times, resulting in standing water and minor flooding issues across much of northern Illinois.

Drivers should remain alert for lingering ponding in low-lying or poorly drained areas even after rainfall ends. Motorists should never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway when the depth of the water is unknown.