Chicago shattered a rainfall record that had stood for more than seven decades as relentless storms soaked the region, prompting continued flood concerns, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The new record was set as days of storms have pummeled the Great Lakes region, heightening flash flood concerns in Wisconsin and Michigan as several rivers reach major flood stage. Flood-related advisories and warnings remain in place from Iowa through Michigan, including in Illinois, where the new rainfall record was set. Some of the advisories are set to expire Thursday morning, whereas others will persist for days as rain continues to fall.
“Flooding is a growing concern where repeated downpours can overwhelm drainage systems and flood roads,” AccuWeather meteorologist Elizabeth Danco told Newsweek.
Meteorologists with NWS Chicago said the city’s official climate site at Chicago O’Hare International Airport recorded enough rain to break a 77-year-old daily rainfall record on Tuesday, surpassing a mark last set in 1949. The record-breaking total fell amid rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms that caused widespread ponding on roads and overwhelmed drainage systems.
“A daily record rainfall of 2.43” was set at #Chicago-O’Hare yesterday (shattered previous record of 1.21″ from 1949),” the office posted on Wednesday morning. “This was the rainiest April day at ORD since 4/18/2013 (3.54″). The 2.43” that fell yesterday makes it the 6th rainiest April day on record for Chicago.”
The deluge heightened flood concerns across the region, with forecasters warning that already saturated ground leaves the area especially vulnerable to additional flooding. NWS Chicago said even moderate rainfall could quickly lead to water collecting on streets, viaducts, and low-lying areas.
“A Flood Watch means water levels above flood stage are possible, but not yet certain, based upon the latest forecasts,” NWS Chicago said in the alert. “Persons along rivers and streams in the watch area should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action should flooding develop.”
The region also faces a threat of thunderstorms at least through Wednesday night. Although no severe thunderstorm warnings or watches were in effect in Chicago as of Wednesday at around 4:30 p.m. ET, the NWS Chicago office had a hazardous weather outlook in place.
“An additional period of thunderstorms are expected, particularly this evening. Some of these storms may be strong to severe and produce locally heavy rainfall,” the outlook said.
The storms could worsen flooding impacts in neighborhoods already dealing with water backup and poor drainage. Emergency managers advised residents to monitor official forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
