Severe storms cause evacuations and flooding in Chicago area
- Severe thunderstorms originated northwest of Chicago, resulting in warnings and power outages.
- Heavy rain and flash flooding concerns prompted evacuations and weather alerts across the area.
- The situation necessitated preparedness for continued severe weather and flooding risks into the weekend.
On July 10, 2025, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for several counties in the greater Chicago area during the evening rush. The storms started northwest of Chicago and included a warning in southwestern McHenry County. The developments prompted the evacuation of a local event, the Rockin Rotary Rib Fest, due to concerns over fifty-cent piece-sized hail and wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph. Reports indicated power outages and downed lines as the storm moved eastward. By the evening, heavy downpours caused concern for flooding as intense rainfall continued across the region. Following the torrential rain, a flood watch was declared for most of the Chicago area, covering areas such as Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry counties, and northern Will County. Scattered thunderstorms persisted throughout the night, and forecasts indicated that additional severe weather would develop on Friday, with risks of flash flooding. On the morning of July 11, heavy downpours were reported, further contributing to the flooding risks. Additionally, the conditions allowed for hot, humid weather to dominate much of the day. As storms were set to continue into Friday evening, forecasters warned that wind damage and tornadoes were possible, creating a precarious situation for residents. Reports noted that rainfall totals overnight ranged between 1 and 5 inches, with the heaviest precipitation being noted west of Chicago. This significant weather activity resulted in renewed concerns about flooding in several areas, including Rockford. Preparations were made as authorities braced for a second wave of storms expected to develop in the evening. Weather alerts were issued for the weekend, with expectations of multi-round storms impacting the area. Ground conditions were already saturated from previous rain, increasing the likelihood of flooding challenges in the coming days. Residents were advised to stay alert as the storms moved through, and evacuations were put in place to ensure safety during this severe weather event. As the situation unfolded, staying informed and prepared became crucial for citizens amid the challenges posed by the storms and flooding.