CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood warning for part of the Chicagoland region, including the city itself, Bolingbrook and Orland Park until 4:30 p.m.
Officials said those in the affected areas should move to higher ground immediately and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
Earlier on Wednesday, NWS issued a Flood Watch for northern DuPage County, central and southern Cook County, eastern Will County and Lake County, Ind. That watch will remain in effect until 7 p.m.
Several rounds of storms are on tap for Wednesday through the afternoon, AccuWeather said. These storms, though brief, could produce downpours. According to the NWS, it is possible for some areas to see rain rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour.
Central Cook County is the area most at risk for flash flooding, the NWS says, and, in cases of flash flooding, those near rivers and creeks should be on alert.
The rainy day has already impacted air travel. As of 1 p.m., 328 flights had been cancelled at O'Hare. At Midway Airport, 34 flights have been called off. Delays at both airports were averaging nearly 40 minutes.
Parts of the Chicago area already experienced heavy rain Tuesday afternoon. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Waubonesee Creek, near Oswego, has seen over 4 inches of rain in the last 24 hours. Matteson has seen over 3 inches, while Frankfort and Plainfield have had over 2 inches in the last 24 hours.
Unfortunately, the region will not be able to dry out until the weekend. AccuWeather said there’s a threat of storms for both Thursday and Friday.
Stay tuned in to WBBM Newsradio for the latest forecasts and breaking weather news.
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