Chicago Streets Flooded After Sudden Downpour

Torrential rains pounded Chicago on Wednesday evening, leaving streets inundated and causing widespread flooding. The sudden downpour, which began around 5 p.m., overwhelmed the city’s drainage system, leaving cars submerged and roads impassable.Torrential rains pounded Chicago on Wednesday evening, leaving streets inundated and causing widespread flooding. The sudden downpour, which began around 5 p.m., overwhelmed the city’s drainage system, leaving cars submerged and roads impassable. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the city and surrounding suburbs, urging residents to seek higher ground and avoid driving through flooded areas. Commuter rail lines were disrupted by the flooding, with several stations closed and trains delayed or canceled. Public transportation was also affected, with buses rerouted and some stops closed. Emergency crews were dispatched to assist with rescues and clear debris from roads. The Chicago Fire Department reported numerous calls for assistance, including motorists trapped in flooded vehicles and residents stranded in their homes. The flooding also caused power outages in some parts of the city. Commonwealth Edison reported more than 10,000 customers without power as of 8 p.m. City officials advised residents to stay off the roads if possible and to be aware of potential hazards, including downed power lines and fast-moving floodwaters. The flooding is expected to continue for several hours, as more rain is expected to move through the area. The National Weather Service has extended the flash flood warning until 11 p.m.