Monday mess: Storms result in downed power lines, localized flooding for parts of Chicago area

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Monday night's storms caused flooding and problems for drivers throughout the area.

In southwest suburban Hickory Hills, the Roberts Park Fire Protection District said the storm knocked down three power line poles onto cars.

Ardena Hall told CBS-2 what she saw near 87th and Roberts Road.

"I saw a blue light, and it was like a loud bang, and I noticed that green car in the back was on fire," Hall said.

The heavy rains brought flooding to Chicago streets, stranding drivers on the Near West Side in McKinley Park,  prompting crews to clean off sewer grates in an attempt to get the water to recede.

In north suburban Niles, the Golf Mill Shopping Center was flooded.

"I feel like my car was floating," Ali Sami said.

Federal assistance for recent flooding victims likely a long way out