Chicago Hit by Severe Storms: What to Do During a Flash Flood Warning

A powerful storm system, complete with severe winds and flash flood warnings, swept through the Chicago area on Saturday, causing widespread damage and leaving thousands without power. The intense weather event led to displaced residents, canceled events, and significant property damage in several suburbs.

While the storm has passed, the destruction serves as a stark reminder of the importance of understanding severe weather alerts. Here’s a look at the impact of the storm and what you need to know about a flash flood warning.

Severe Storms Cause Widespread Damage Across Chicago Suburbs

The first round of storms moved through the Chicago area between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., bringing torrential rain and high winds. The most significant damage was reported in Mount Prospect, where what fire officials believe was a microburst tore the roof off a 60-unit apartment complex. The building was immediately deemed uninhabitable, forcing dozens of families into the pouring rain and onto the streets.

“Very sad day for me, for my friends, for everybody,” said displaced resident Halina Zielinski, whose eyes welled with tears as she described the “huge boom, like [a] bomb” that preceded the destruction of her home.

The storms also impacted other parts of the area, leaving damage in Aurora and North Aurora, while in Des Plaines, massive trees were split and torn apart, smashing vehicles. The storm also put a stop to local festivities, with the Taylor Street Italian Festival being rained out and the sold-out Savannah Bananas baseball game at Rate Field forced into a rain delay. By 9:30 p.m., over 66,000 ComEd customers were without power.

What to Do During a Flash Flood Warning

The National Weather Service issued multiple severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings for the area. It’s crucial to understand the difference between a “watch” and a “warning” to stay safe during these events.

• Flash Flood Watch: This means that conditions are favorable for a flash flood to occur, so you should be prepared. It’s a time to monitor the situation and have a plan ready.
• Flash Flood Warning: This means a flash flood is either imminent or already happening. It’s time to take immediate action to protect life and property.

Flash floods can develop extremely quickly—sometimes in a matter of minutes—and can occur even in areas that aren’t receiving rain if the storm is upstream.

To protect yourself and your family, follow these essential safety tips:

• Move to Higher Ground: If you are in a low-lying area or near a stream, move to higher ground immediately.
• “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”: Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Even just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet, and two feet can sweep away a vehicle. The vast majority of flood-related deaths occur in cars.
• Stay Informed: Keep a battery-powered radio or a fully charged phone on hand to get updates from local authorities and the National Weather Service.

Understanding the Storm’s Impact: What is a Microburst?

Mount Prospect Fire officials believe a “microburst” was responsible for the concentrated damage to the apartment building. A microburst is a powerful, localized column of sinking air within a thunderstorm. When it hits the ground, it spreads out in all directions, creating extreme straight-line winds that can be as strong as those in a tornado.

While microbursts are short-lived, they can cause extensive and highly localized damage, which explains how one apartment complex could be so severely impacted while others nearby were largely spared. This phenomenon, combined with the heavy rain that led to flash flood warnings, made for a dangerous Saturday afternoon in the Chicago area.