dpCHICAGO (WLS) — Overnight storms left drivers stranded in south suburban floods Saturday morning and knocked out power for thousands, forcing the cancellation of some Fourth of July events as more rain moved through Saturday evening.
A Flood Warning is in effect for many counties in the Chicago through Sunday evening. until 9:30 p.m.
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The Bishop Ford Freeway was closed in both directions on the South Side for most of the day Saturday due to flooding.
Significant flooding has been reported in Bartlett and other suburbs in the Chicago area.
The Cubs-Cardinals game at Wrigley Field was postponed to start at 8:05 p.m. Saturday due to the weather.
Storm-related death in west suburbs
A woman and her two dogs died after a tree fell on a camper trailer in Kendall County, officials said.
The 47-year-old woman was pronounced dead on the scene around 3:20 p.m. in the 8500 block of Millbrook Road in Fox Township, the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office said. Her named has not been released.
The Little Rock Fire Protection District said the woman’s two dogs also died, and she was from New Lenox.
No other injuries were reported.
Flooding strands vehicles across Chicago suburbs after Saturday storms
Flooding from Saturday storms left roads underwater and vehicles stranded across several Chicago-area suburbs, prompting rescues and renewed warnings from local leaders about the dangers of driving through high water.
In Naperville, a parking lot became a makeshift pond after the storms. While much of the floodwater had receded, challenges remained for drivers whose vehicles were stranded in high water.
In Elgin, flooded streets left multiple vehicles stuck as some drivers attempted to travel through standing water. Residents and bystanders stepped in to help motorists affected by the conditions.
“That’s fantastic to see,” one woman said as people helped push a stranded vehicle.
Elgin resident Tammy Erekfritz described a rescue that unfolded near her home.
“The next thing I know, we’ve got the fire department, a car stuck down there at the corner,” Erekfritz said. “A man came out of the house, and he opened that car door and pulled that woman out.”
Similar scenes played out in Bartlett, where floodwater reached nearly as high as one man’s knees and vehicles stalled after the storm.
“It’s very bad rain and a lot of flooding. It’s never been this bad, I’ve been here 32 years, and it’s never been this bad,” Bartlett resident Todd Novello said.
In Kane County, rising water from Welch Creek covered roads. In Downers Grove, an SUV became stuck in a ditch. A shattered rear window appeared to indicate a successful rescue from the vehicle.
Among those stranded was Naperville motorist Amith Shenoy, whose SUV broke down after he attempted to drive through floodwater.
“It was kind of scary because it was pouring a lot, and the water was almost up to the height of the tire,” Shenoy said.
Shenoy said the experience taught him an important lesson about heeding flood warnings.
“Don’t ignore the warning. That’s what I did. The warning came on my phone, and I thought I am just going to pass by quickly, but it just picks up so fast that you don’t have time,” he said.
The storms left behind a consistent message echoed by suburban and city leaders: Drivers should never attempt to pass through floodwater and should instead turn around and find an alternate route.
South suburbs hit hard
Strong storms created dangerous conditions in the south suburbs overnight, causing flooding and leaving drivers stranded.
Strong overnight storms created dangerous conditions in the south suburbs, causing flooding and leaving drivers stranded.
Overnight storms knocked out power for tens of thousands across the area. As of 4:51 a.m., 58,452 customers were without power, ComEd said.
In Dolton, the basements of some homes were possibly flooded. And in Harvey, several motorists had to be rescued after their cars got stuck in high standing water.
The Bishop Ford Freeway was closed in both directions from Sibley to 130th due to flooding, Illinois State Police said. Chopper 7 was over the scene, where some cars could be seen stuck in floodwaters along the freeway.
The Bishop Ford Freeway is closed in both directions at 130th due to flooding.
“When I say the water is deep, the water is pretty much up to my knees. My car got stuck where this car is now, so I had to hop out. Called the ambulance. The ambulance said, ‘Stay on top of the car.’ So, I sat on top of the car for like 30 minutes to 40,” driver Renee said.
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“I was driving through the rain, it was crazy. Crazy weather out here tonight. It was downpouring,” said driver Carlos Nunez. “I really didn’t see, but I drove into an area that was flooded and my car got, my engine had turned off on its own, and I got stuck in the middle of the floods, and I had to push it back out.”
“A lot of drivers are experiencing issues with vehicles being stranded on the viaduct. Right now, the fire department and other departments are working hard to get everything taken care of,” said Harvey Deputy Fire Chief Henry Boyd. “Most of the persons that are stranded are being towed out at this time. So, we’re just keeping our eyes open, being vigilant and take care of the people who need it.”
This comes after a boat capsized on Geneva Lake as a storm moved through on Friday. Seven people were rescued, and three children died, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office said.
The rain may have stopped for now, but several streets and viaducts are still flooded or have high standing water, so be careful.
As of 11:50 a.m., 138 flights had been canceled at Chicago O’Hare International Airport with delays averaging 15 minutes.
At Chicago Midway International Airport, 18 flights had been canceled, with delays averaging less than 15 minutes.
Sunday will not feel as muggy, and there will be a few showers as highs reach into the low 80s.
Weather forces cancellation of Fourth of July fireworks and more
Naperville announced that it has canceled its fireworks show on Saturday.
Arlington Heights’ drone show was canceled.
Elgin canceled its Fourth of July celebration and fireworks.
St Charles is postponing its fireworks display to a later date.
Glen Ellyn’s Fourth of July celebration is canceled.
Lombard’s fireworks display has been canceled.
Park Forest’s Fourth of July celebration, including the parade, live entertainment, and fireworks, has been canceled.
Streamwood’s fireworks display has been canceled.
South Holland’s Fourth of July events have been canceled, and the fireworks display will be rescheduled.
The Woodridge-Downers Grove fireworks display will be reschedule.
Northbrook has canceled its Fourth of July Parade
Country Club Hills will postpone its fireworks to a new date.
Huntley has rescheduled its fireworks to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
Batavia’s fireworks have been postponed to Sunday evening.
Lake Station, Indiana will now host its fireworks show at dusk Sunday.
Valparaiso, Indiana has postponed its Fourth of July event to 7 p.m. Sunday, with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
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