Widespread flooding is now normality for areas in Illinois and Indiana, as heavy rains dumped down over small counties and large cities on Thursday night into Friday morning. State police in Indiana were forced to close down a section of Interstate 69 after the roadway had become water logged. The police were then moving traffic onto a local Indiana highway.
The area between Fort Wayne and Muncie has experienced the highest rainfall totals according to the National Weather Service, and they also issued several warnings for many counties in the affected area. The emergency manager of Blackford County reported that the county of Muncie had over 8 inches of rain, and this forced the school district in the area to close for the day. No injuries have been reported, but there are many reports of small roadways and basements being flooded out.
On Friday morning, the National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for Grant, Blackford, Jay, Wabash, Huntington, and Wells counties. They also reported that 7-10 inches of rain had fallen in eastern Grant and Blackford counties, with at least 7 inches falling since midnight. Runoff from this extensive rainfall could cause flooding throughout the day.
As for Chicago, they also experienced some heavy rainfall that caused flooding on Friday morning. There is a chance that these thunderstorms may continue into the weekend. Heavy rainfall on Thursday night left many Chicago areas flooded, including many residential areas. The Midway Airport recorded 4.5 inches of rain in less than three hours. Luckily for the residents of Chicago, the weekend will not be a complete washout. Sunday should bring with it sunny skies and warmer temperatures.
The biggest threat for severe weather is on Friday, and this is in Chicago and parts of Indiana. The whole central Plains and Ohio Valley are at risk for severe weather. Even the Carolinas may see some disturbances. Damaging winds and large hail are the main threats with this system, and luckily the tornado threat will remain relatively low. Slow moving thunderstorms will bring the threat of flash floods to parts of the Northwest, Midwest, and interior Northeast at times through Saturday. By Sunday, everything should be cleared up for the most part.
It is important to always stay up to date on the forecast in your area, and to make sure that you are prepared in case of an emergency. Do not try to cross any flooded roadways, as the waters may be deeper than you think. If you need updates in your area, check with the Weather Channel or your local weather authority.
