Chicago Northwest Side Floods After Rainiest April Day Since 2013
Chicago’s Northwest Side experienced severe flooding following the rainiest April day recorded since 2013, with O’Hare International Airport measuring 2.43 inches of rainfall on April 15, 2026. The heavy precipitation contributed to the city’s second-wettest spring on record, saturating soils and overwhelming drainage systems. Residents, particularly in the 41st Ward, reported significant water intrusion in basements and streets, generating nearly 300 service requests via the city’s 311 system. Illinois state climatologist Trent Ford explained that persistently wet conditions reduced soil absorption capacity, leading to increased runoff into rivers and streams. Consequently, flood watches were issued for multiple Illinois counties and northwest Indiana, while flash flood warnings remained active for Cook County. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago tracked potential combined sewer overflow events in Skokie and northwest Chicago, raising health concerns due to the mixing of stormwater with untreated sewage. Officials cautioned that elevated soil moisture levels would continue to pose flooding risks through Wednesday evening as additional storms were expected.
Wire timeline
Chicago Northwest Side Floods After Rainiest April Day Since 2013
Chicago’s Northwest Side experienced severe flooding following the rainiest April day recorded since 2013, with O’Hare International Airport measuring 2.43 inches of rainfall on April 15, 2026. The heavy precipitation contributed to the city’s second-wettest spring on record, saturating soils and overwhelming drainage systems. Residents, particularly in the 41st Ward, reported significant water intrusion in basements and streets, generating nearly 300 service requests via the city’s 311 system. Illinois state climatologist Trent Ford explained that persistently wet conditions reduced soil absorption capacity, leading to increased runoff into rivers and streams. Consequently, flood watches were issued for multiple Illinois counties and northwest Indiana, while flash flood warnings remained active for Cook County. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago tracked potential combined sewer overflow events in Skokie and northwest Chicago, raising health concerns due to the mixing of stormwater with untreated sewage. Officials cautioned that elevated soil moisture levels would continue to pose flooding risks through Wednesday evening as additional storms were expected.
chicagotribune