Flood Warnings and Advisories in Effect for Chicago Area
Flood warnings and advisories remain in effect for parts of the Chicago area Tuesday after strong storms dumped heavy rain across parts of Illinois and Indiana, with standing water still in ditches, fields and roadways as lingering showers continue.
Weather Forecast
According to NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman, the last remaining showers in Chicago and northwest Indiana were expected to continue moving east later Tuesday morning, making way for drier conditions.
Flooded Roadways and Standing Water
As much as a foot of standing water on roads was reported on I-55 southbound to Joliet, the Illinois State Police said, with other reports of flooded streets and standing water on I-55 northbound at Cicero, I-290 eastbound at Oakley and Laramie and more.
ISP added that some area roadways may be shutdown for heavy flooding.
Severe storms pounded the Chicago area, with parts of northwest Indiana still seeing flooding on roads and cars stranded hours after the rain stopped.
Rainfall Totals
In Tinley Park, more than six inches of rain was recorded. In Southern DeKalb County, rain total estimates topped 7.3 inches.
“A lot of rain in a short amount of time,” Roman said. “As much as five, six, even seven inches of rain over the past 24 hours for parts of the area.”
Overnight, the National Weather Service said “doppler radar and automated gauge reports indicate that between 4 and 8 inches of rain has fallen in the past 12 hours.”
After repeated rounds of storms over the past few days, there is a lot of standing water in low-lying ditches, fields, and even roadways. This is especially true in the green shaded areas on the map below where 4 to locally 8 inches of rain fell yesterday and overnight. pic.twitter.com/fLhe57W7EF
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) August 19, 2025
“Additional showers and thunderstorms may drop up to an inch of additional rainfall over the coming hours,” the NWS added. “This will only delay the speed at which flood waters recede.”
Hardest Hit Areas
According to the NWS, the hardest hit areas were between the I-80 and I-88 corridors, with “significant flash flooding” in Paw Paw and Mokena in Illinois, and Whiting, Indiana.
Our area experienced yet another round of heavy-rain producing storms from the afternoon of August 18 through the early morning hours of August 19. The most persistent storms were between the I-80 and I-88 corridors, where pockets of 4 to locally 8 inches of rain #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/P3cbAFF6yP
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) August 19, 2025
Impact on Daily Life
The rain also forced Monday night’s Cubs – Brewers game to be rescheduled as part of a split doubleheader Tuesday, with first pitch times at Wrigley Field set for 1:20 p.m., and 7:05 p.m.
According to the NWS, flood warnings and advisories for multiple counties in Illinois and northwest Indiana will expire around 10:30 a.m.
While Tuesday’s temperatures remain warm and humid with highs in the low-to-mid 80s, a pattern change toward cooler, drier and more comfortable conditions will arrive mid-week. By next week, cooler-than-average temperatures were expected, Roman said.
Conclusion
The Chicago area is experiencing flood warnings and advisories after strong storms dumped heavy rain across parts of Illinois and Indiana. The rain has caused standing water in low-lying areas, flooded roadways, and disrupted daily life. However, the weather is expected to improve mid-week, with cooler and drier conditions arriving. It’s essential to stay informed about the weather and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current weather situation in the Chicago area?
A: The Chicago area is experiencing flood warnings and advisories after strong storms dumped heavy rain across parts of Illinois and Indiana.
Q: How much rain has fallen in the area?
A: According to the National Weather Service, between 4 and 8 inches of rain has fallen in the past 12 hours, with some areas receiving as much as 7.3 inches of rain.
Q: What are the hardest hit areas?
A: The hardest hit areas are between the I-80 and I-88 corridors, with significant flash flooding in Paw Paw and Mokena in Illinois, and Whiting, Indiana.
Q: Will the weather improve soon?
A: Yes, the weather is expected to improve mid-week, with cooler and drier conditions arriving. By next week, cooler-than-average temperatures are expected.
Q: What should I do to stay safe during the flood?
A: It’s essential to stay informed about the weather and follow the instructions of local authorities. Avoid traveling to flooded areas, and keep an eye on the weather forecast for updates.
