MWD warns of possible flooding as heavy rains are expected across the Chicago area
The chance of severe rain over the next few days across the Chicago area could bring flooding, forecasters said.
"Waves of showers" started in the area Sunday afternoon and are expected to continue through early Tuesday, said Kevin Birk, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Chicago.
"The showers will be more scattered Sunday afternoon, but we're expecting some heavier showers to come into the area later [Sunday] and especially Monday evening into Tuesday morning," Birk said.
Periods of showers will continue through Tue evening, but the heaviest rain is expected to occur Mon night. The greatest threat for heavy rain still looks to be along and northwest of a Peru to Waukegan line. Heavy rain may lead to flooding in poor drainage areas #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/37cXQMS9eI
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) November 3, 2024
Over the next few days, the heaviest rainfall is expected along and northwest of Interstate 55, according to an alert from the National Weather Service. This is also where flooding is the most likely, specifically in low-lying areas or spots with poor drainage.
Areas with the heaviest showers could see 2 to 4 inches of rainfall, Birk said. The rest of the Chicago area could see 1 to 2 inches.
Thunderstorms are also possible, the weather service said.
To mitigate flooding, people are advised to make sure fallen leaves are cleared from gutters and storm sewers, Birk said.
"The one thing going for us is we've been really dry and kind of in a drought," Birk said. "So the ground should have some capacity, as well as the rivers, to take some of this rainfall."
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District issued an alert warning of potential flooding and sewer backups.
Residents can help prevent flooding by cutting back on water usage during the storms by delaying showers or baths, waiting to use dishwashers or washing machines and flushing toilets less frequently, the agency said.
The agency advised residents to report any flooding in their areas and sign up for its alerts.
The rainfall is expected to taper off later Election Day Tuesday, Birk said. Clearer skies and temperatures around 60 degrees will follow Wednesday.
"Once we get through this rain, we should see dry and rather pleasant weather with above-average temperatures for this time of year," Birk said. "It's not looking too bad after Tuesday."