'Possible flooding coming to Chicago as heavy rains are expected across the area,' Chicago Sun-Times

November 3, 2024

Chicago Sun-Times: The National Weather Service says storms are expected late Sunday and especially Monday evening into Tuesday morning.

The chance of severe rain over the next few days across the Chicago area could bring flooding.

"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.

Waves crash on Lake Michigan near Belmont Harbor on Sunday. Areas with the heaviest showers could see 2 to 4 inches of rainfall, and the rest of the Chicago area could see 1 to 2 inches of rainfall between Sunday and Tuesday, when the system will move out.Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times

"We're expecting some heavier showers to come into the area later [Sunday] and especially Monday evening into Tuesday morning," Birk said.

Over the next few days, the heaviest rainfall is expected along and northwest of Interstate 55, according to the 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.

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 of Greater Chicago issued an alert warning of potential flooding and sewer backups.

People 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."

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