Introduction to the Storms in Chicago
After being pummeled by storms Monday night, the Chicago area is under a flood watch after more rain is expected through the evening, according to the National Weather Service. The area saw several storms develop Monday in the same areas, resulting in heavy rain centered on the North Side of the city, according to weather service meteorologist Zachary Yack.
Storm Damage and Power Outages
The North Side got about 2 inches of rain, while the South Side had around a half-inch to an inch, he said. Some Chicagoans lost power as a result of the storm, and as of Tuesday morning, about 1,400 people were still without power. There were 101 outages, according to the ComEd power outage tracker. Some localized flooding was reported as a result of the heavy rain, but the weather service hadn’t been notified of any major storm damage, Yack said.
Forecast for Tuesday
Tuesday’s storms are forecast to start around noon, and rain is expected off and on until around 8 or 9 p.m., Yack said. Winds could reach up to 60 miles per hour and isolated flooding is possible, according to a hazardous weather alert from the NWS. The NWS also issued a flood watch in effect through Tuesday evening in Cook, DuPage and Will counties, plus some parts of northwest Indiana. Streets, especially in areas with poor drainage, could flood, according to the weather service. A flash flood warning was issued for parts of the city and some suburbs after rain gauges detected rainfall of two to three inches per hour. The flash flood warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Relief from the Heat
The storms will likely offer some relief from the recent heat and humidity, and clear skies and temperatures in the 80s are expected the rest of the week. “The city will probably be pretty dry and quiet to close off the rest of the week,” Yack said. Temperatures are set to climb over the weekend. The warmest day in the forecast is Saturday, with the heat index likely to push toward 100 degrees, but some “lingering heat” will stick around Sunday, Yack said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chicago area is expected to experience more storms through the evening, with a flood watch in effect and the possibility of isolated flooding. The storms will provide relief from the recent heat and humidity, but temperatures are expected to climb again over the weekend. Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
FAQs
Q: How much rain did the North Side of Chicago receive on Monday night?
A: The North Side of Chicago received about 2 inches of rain on Monday night.
Q: How many people were without power as of Tuesday morning?
A: About 1,400 people were still without power as of Tuesday morning.
Q: What is the forecast for the rest of the week?
A: Clear skies and temperatures in the 80s are expected for the rest of the week, with temperatures climbing again over the weekend.
Q: Is a flood watch in effect for the Chicago area?
A: Yes, a flood watch is in effect through Tuesday evening in Cook, DuPage and Will counties, plus some parts of northwest Indiana.
