Flash Flood in Du Page County, Illinois

Very heavy rain fell across north central Dupage County during the early morning hours of July 24th producing widespread flooding and flash flooding. Widespread street and basement flooding was reported. North Avenue at Interstate 290 was flooded with a car stuck in the water. Lake Ellyn overflowed its banks with six inches or more of water covering nearby streets. The Village Links Golf Course was flooded with waist high water and a mail truck was submerged in the flood waters. In Elmhurst, Interstate 290 was closed near York Street with two cars floating in water at least four feet deep; Route 83 was flooded and closed under the Union Pacific tracks with several cars floating in the water; Robert Plamer Drive was flooded and closed below the railroad tracks and all roads near Memorial Hospital were impassible. In Lombard, the Main Street viaduct was flooded with stranded cars in the flood waters and 15 residents were evacuated by boat along Finley Road. In Villa Park, significant flooding occurred near Wildwood and Monterey Avenues. Salt Creek quickly rose out of its banks and flooded nearby areas. In the Graue Mill Condominiums, 250 residents were evacuated after four feet of water surrounded the community when Salt Creek overflowed its banks. Storm total rainfall amounts included 7.26 inches one mile northwest of Villa Park; 7.19 inches near Carol Stream; 7.08 inches one mile northwest of Glen Ellyn; 7.01 inches two miles west of Elk Grove Village; 6.98 inches in Oak Brook; 6.92 inches one mile northwest of Lombard; 6.52 inches near Wheaton; 5.57 inches two and a half miles north of West Chicago; 4.51 inches two miles southwest of Burr Ridge; 4.40 inches one mile southeast of Westmont and 3.45 inches in Lisle.

Strong to severe thunderstorms moved across northern Illinois during the afternoon and evening hours of July 23rd producing strong winds. Additional thunderstorms developed in the late evening of July 23rd and lasted in the early morning hours of July 24th producing very heavy rain and widespread flash flooding in many parts of the Chicago Metro Area. Rainfall rates were as much as two to three inches per hour in some areas.