Severe Storms, Flooding Slam Chicago

After days of rain, severe thunderstorms dumped nearly five inches of precipitation Wednesday and overnight into Thursday morning, flooding highways and roads across the city. The flood waters have grounded flights, closed schools and caused massive traffic delays around the city. And the rain is not done: the National Weather Service is forecasting an additional one to two inches of rain today and a flash flood warning remains in effect until 2:00 pm for Lake and Southeastern Cook counties. Check back here for the latest news on the severe weather impacts. Submit your flood photos here.

On Chicago Tonight at 7:00 pm, we have the latest news and response to the flooding. Visit the links below for more.

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View the latest flood and storm information below.

4:45 pm

Click here for the latest information from the Illinois Department of Transportation on road closures around the state. 

3:30 pm

Airport update from the Chicago Department of Aviation:

"Due to weather conditions in the Chicago area today, airlines at O’Hare and Midway International Airports are reporting significant delays and cancellations. At O’Hare, airlines are reporting delays averaging 90 minutes or more for flights in and out of the airport. More than 600 flights have been canceled today due to weather.

At Midway, airlines are reporting some delays averaging 30 minutes or more, and more than 30 cancellations.

The only remaining roadway closure in the immediate vicinity of O'Hare is Irving Park Road between Mannheim Road and York Road. Passengers traveling through Chicago’s airports today should check their airlines’ website or call to confirm the status of their flight. Those traveling to O’Hare and Midway today should allow extra time to get to the airport."

3:15 pm

In response to widespread flooding across northern Illinois, Governor Quinn has declared a state of emergency

"I urge everyone to stay alert and avoid flooded areas," Governor Quinn said. "Residents should tune in to local TV and radio stations for updated information about any closed routes or evacuations."

Read the Governor's full declaration here.

1:10 pm

From the Illinois Department of Transportation, here are the latest road closures due to flooding around Illinois and the greater Chicago area:

1) NW Kennedy at Addison one lane open only.

2) Edens Expressway at Pratt and Lawrence Ave flooding issues.

3) SB Edens at Peterson Ave Flooding Issues

4) SE Kennedy at Addison Ave Flooding issues

5) Bishop Ford expressway at 138th st and Beaubian Woods Ramps closed due to flooding.

6) EB I-290 north ave entrance ramps closed due to flooding.

7) I-290 between York Ave and North Ave at Emory Rd closed due to flooding.

8) McCarthy Rd east of LaGrange, Alsip

9) SW Hwy IL-7, 131st-135th streets.

10) 143rd at Will Cook Rd.

11) Wolf Rd between 143rd and 151st  street.

12) IL-41 south of RT-60 closed.

13) IL-173 between Delany and Kilbourn Rd

14) IL-132 between 1st ave and O'Plaine ave.

15) IL-41 between 21st and Depot Ave

16) Governors Hwy at 216th street

17) Woods Ave at 138th street

18) Dixie Hwy at 178th street

19) 147th street at Clinton Ave.

20) 25th ave at Cermak Rd.

21) SB Mannheim between St. Charles and Butterfield

22) First Ave between Forest and and Ogden

23) Mannheim Rd at Cermak Ave.

24) Roosevelt Rd between Westchester and Wolf Rd

25) US-6 between 187th street and Will Cook Rd.

26) New Ave between 135th and 127th street.

27) IL-56 west of IL-59.

28) IL-38 west of IL-59.

29) Ogden Ave at 34th street.

30) US-30 at 111th street.

31) IL-1 at Union Ave.

32) RT-30 at Highland Ave

33) IL-53 and IL-52 at Hoff

34) RT-50 at Manhattan Monee Rd

35) RT-52 at Cherry Hill Rd.

36) RT-52 at Spencer.

37) US-52 Brunes to Feeder

38) RT-21 Greenwood to Central

39) Central Deerlove ave to East River

40) Deerlove Ave to RT-21

41) RT-43 North of Golf

42) Willow Rd east of Shermer

43) North Ave at I-290

44) 25th ave between 64-20th street

45) Mannheim Rd between Grand and Fullerton

46) Lawrence River at Mannheim

47) Irving Park River at Mannheim

12:40 pm

Cook County Forest Preserve officials issued the following flood advisory:

"Please be advised that the following Forest Preserve District of Cook County locations are closed due to heavy rains and flooding. Avoid any high-water areas, as these areas may be dangerous. Locations will be reopened as water levels recede."

Below is the a list of current Cook County Forest Preserve District closures:

NORTHWEST COOK COUNTY
Busse South, Groves 5-16
Busse North 1 – 3
Busse Central 4
Busse Reservoir 17 – 25

NORTH COOK COUNTY
Dam 4 Woods
Chippewa Woods
Dam 1 East
Massasauga Family Picnic Area
Dam 1 West
Camp Ground Road Woods
Northwestern Woods
Thatcher Woods
Thatcher Glen
Irving Park Road Canoe Landing

CENTRAL COOK COUNTY
Miller Meadow South – north entrance is closed due to flooding.

SOUTHWEST COOK COUNTY
Palos Woods
Columbia Woods
McClaughrey Springs

SOUTH COOK COUNTY
Calumet Woods
Dixmore Woods
Whistler Woods
Beaubien Woods
Thorn Creek
Glenwood North
Glenwood South
Sauk Groves 4-5
Shuberts
Back of Kings Grove

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