Chicago Weather Alert: Flash Flood Warnings Issued Amid Severe Storms, Airport Delays Before Weekend Heatwave
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Chicago weather is under significant impact with Flash Flood Warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings active across Cook County. O’Hare and Midway face airport delays as heavy rains persist.
Chicago is grappling with intense storms this afternoon, bringing heavy rainfall and sparking Flash Flood Warnings across the metropolitan area. The severe conditions have prompted widespread advisories, including for Cook County flooding, and have led to airport delays at both O’Hare and Midway International Airports. Residents are urged to exercise caution as downpours continue.
Current Storm Impact and Warnings
The Chicago metropolitan area is experiencing a series of potent thunderstorms, some producing rain rates as high as 3 inches per hour. This intense precipitation has led to significant flooding concerns, with approximately 1.5 inches of rain already recorded in parts of the area as of late afternoon.
- A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for southern Cook County, encompassing the South Side of Chicago, until 6 p.m. Additionally, parts of southern Cook and northeastern Will counties are under a Flash Flood Warning until 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
- A Flood Advisory extends across central and north-central Cook County, including the City of Chicago, until 6:45 p.m. Another advisory covers parts of Cook and Will counties until 5:30 p.m.
- A broader Flood Watch remains in effect until midnight for Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake (Indiana) counties, indicating the potential for widespread flooding.
Severe Thunderstorm Threat
Beyond heavy rain, these storms have also carried the threat of strong winds and hail. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for parts of northern and western Cook County, including Evanston, Skokie, and Oak Park, expiring at 4 p.m. Another active Severe Thunderstorm Warning was noted for northeast Cook County, also until 4 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm was detected over the Portage Park or Irving Park areas, moving northeast at 30 mph, with wind gusts up to 60 mph possible. A Special Weather Statement was issued for Will, southeastern Grundy, northwest Kankakee, and southeast Cook counties until 3:30 p.m., highlighting a line of strong storms moving east at 25 mph. These storms could produce wind gusts up to 50 mph and half-inch hail, with other areas potentially seeing penny-sized hail.
Airport Operations Disrupted
The inclement Chicago weather has significantly impacted air travel. Ground stops were implemented at both O’Hare and Midway airports earlier this afternoon due to the thunderstorms, initially until 3:15 p.m. These disruptions were subsequently extended:
- The ground stop at O’Hare Airport was extended until 4:30 p.m.
- The ground stop at Midway Airport was extended until 4:15 p.m.
Travelers are advised to check their flight status and anticipate delays. For more information on air travel disruptions, visit our comprehensive guide to airport safety.
Looking Ahead: From Storms to Soaring Temperatures
Storms are anticipated to gradually taper off from west to east late this evening, with clearing skies expected overnight. Temperatures will drop into the upper 60s to near 70 degrees, providing a cooler reprieve after the severe weather.
The forecast for Wednesday and Thursday promises a return to more pleasant conditions, with sunshine and highs in the lower 80s. However, this respite will be brief as a significant heatwave is expected to return by the weekend.
- Friday: Temperatures are forecast to soar to near 90 degrees.
- Saturday: Highs could reach the mid-90s, with heat index values potentially feeling around 100 degrees.
Stay informed about extreme weather events and their impact.
Ensuring Public Safety
Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and follow all official warnings as the storms persist. Excessive rainfall and strong winds pose immediate risks, while the impending heatwave necessitates precautions against heat-related illnesses. The latest Chicago weather forecast was compiled from information provided by local weather reporting agencies.
