Chicago residents are bracing for a bout of severe weather as the National Weather Service in Chicago warns of the potential for destructive thunderstorms and heavy rains later tonight. According to the City of Chicago, the city can expect winds up to 75 mph and possible tornadoes, alongside flash flooding caused by rainfall rates reaching 2-3 inches per hour.
Warm and humid but not as hot today, with a few scattered showers and storms south of I-80 this afternoon. Dry, seasonably cooler and less humid weather expected mid-week onward. pic.twitter.com/iwSiG1qzA8
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 16, 2024
A Flood Watch has been put in effect from 6 p.m. this evening until 3 a.m. Tuesday morning, as reported by the City of Chicago. The expected downpour may result in significant street flooding, particularly in underpasses and viaducts. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Great Chicago further cautions against using large amounts of water during this time, to reduce the stress on municipal sewers.
Meanwhile, the day's weather started relatively calm as the National Weather Service's detailed forecast for Chicago indicated partly sunny skies with a high near 85 degrees.
However, the serenity is not expected to last, due to a southeastern-moving cold front bringing the risk of isolated thunderstorms south of I-80, as noted in the Hazardous Weather Outlook.
In response to the looming threat, the city's emergency management officials are urging the public to prepare and stay alert, recommending residents move valuables out of flood-prone areas and know alternate routes in anticipation of possible street closures due to flooding. As per the Hazardous Weather Outlook, the storm system is forecasted to travel southeast at 30 mph, with no hazardous conditions anticipated for Lake Michigan's nearshore waters.
