Flash Flood in Sangamon County, Illinois

Heavy rainfall amounts of 2.50 to 5.10 inches fell on the Springfield Metro area in less than two hours during the evening of August 28th. Multiple viaducts were flooded in Springfield, streets were inundated with water at least 2 feet deep, vehicles were stranded and parts of Interstates 72 and 55 were closed. Nearly 250 water rescues were performed by the Springfield Fire Department for stranded motorists. No injuries were reported.

Isolated thunderstorms developed along a warm front during the evening of August 28th. Due to the slow-movement of the storms and copious amounts of moisture contained within the atmosphere, very high rainfall rates occurred. Rainfall totals across portions of Sangamon, Logan, and Menard counties generally ranged from 2 to 4 inches, with the highest amount of 5.10 being reported on the southeast side of Springfield. As a result of this rainfall over a short amount of time, widespread flash flooding was reported. Over 200 water rescues were performed in Springfield.