Chicago Weather Alert: Flash Flood Warning in effect for parts of Illinois
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Scattered showers and a few rumbles of thunder continue Sunday across the Chicago area while some areas have been hit by strong downpours.
A Flash Flood Warning was issued for DuPage, and Will counties until 1 p.m. Cook County was also issued a Flash Flood Warning until 3:15 p.m. The warning has been extended for northeastern Cook County until 6:30 p.m.
A Flood Warning was issued at 6:25 p.m. until 1 a.m. July 3 for Cook County. The NWS said flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas, and roads and streets may be flooded. High water will recede slowly from flooded areas.
As of 3:30 p.m., the Chicago River was rising rapidly from heavy rainfall and flooding. The National Weather Service said it is watching the river, which is nearing the capacity of the deep tunnel and reservoir system, "with a combined sewer overflow event in progress." According to the NWS, the river is rising rapidly and was just one foot below the lowest parts of the Chicago Riverwalk and climbing.
Expressway closures
The Stevenson Expressway has reopened between Cicero and Pulaski after being closed in both directions. The inbound and outbound lanes on the Eisenhower Expressway at Des Plaines remain closed.
Outbound I-57 has two left lanes closed at 127th for flooding. The northbound I-55 ramp to Route 83 is also shut down.
Drivers are also warned of flooded viaducts and are advised to either proceed with caution or to avoid them altogether to avoid becoming stuck.
CTA Pink and Blue line trains suspended due to flooding/ buses rerouted
CTA Pink line train service between Pulaski and 54th and Blue line service between UIC Halsted and Forest Park are suspended due to weather.
Shuttle buses have been requested to provide service between UIC Halsted and Forest Park.
In addition to the train suspensions, CTA has also rerouted bus services due to blockage. The following services have been affected:
- #54 Cicero buses are temporarily rerouted in both directions via Cicero, Chicago, Central, Madison and Cicero, due to street blockage near Cicero/Cermak.
- #53 Pulaski buses are temporarily rerouted in both directions via Pulaski, Chicago, Kedzie, Madison, and Pulaski due to, street blockage at Pulaski/Ferdinand.
- #12 Roosevelt buses are temporarily rerouted in both directions via Roosevelt, Kostner, Cermak, Laramie, 16th, Cicero and Roosevelt, due to street blockage near Roosevelt/Kolmar.
The rain won't dampen upcoming Fourth of July plans as drier and hotter weather is ahead.
Expect conditions to be warm with sunshine for July 4th and high temperatures to reach near 90. A front arrives late Wednesday and cools temperatures slightly for the end of the week.
Sunday:
Scattered showers with isolated thunderstorms. High 76.
Sunday night:
Isolated showers wrapping up. Low 65.
Monday:
Partly cloudy and warmer. High 84.