CHICAGO (WLS) — Overnight storms left drivers stranded in floodwaters in the southern suburbs Saturday morning and knocked out power for thousands of people, forcing the cancellation of some Fourth of July events as more rain fell Saturday night.
A Flood warning in effect for many Chicago areas through Sunday evening. until 21:30
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The Bishop Ford Freeway was closed in both directions on the south side most of Saturday due to flooding.
Significant flooding was reported in Bartlett and other Chicago suburbs.
The Cubs-Cardinals game at Wrigley Field has been moved to 8:05 p.m. Saturday due to weather conditions.
Hurricane-related death in western suburbs
A woman and her two dogs died after a tree fell on a trailer in Kendall County, officials said.
According to the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, a 47-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene around 3:20 p.m. in the 8500 block of Millbrook Road in Fox Township. Her name has not been disclosed.
The Little Rock Fire Protection District said the woman also lost two dogs and was from New Lenox.
No other injuries were reported.
Cars flood in suburban Chicago after Saturday’s storm
Flooding caused by Saturday’s storms left roads underwater and cars stranded in several Chicago suburbs, prompting rescue efforts and renewed warnings from local leaders about the dangers of driving in high water.
In Naperville, a parking lot turned into a makeshift pond after the hurricane. Although much of the flood water has receded, problems remain for drivers whose vehicles were stuck in the floodwaters.
In Elgin, flooded streets left several vehicles stranded as some drivers tried to drive through standing water. Residents and passers-by came to the aid of motorists affected by the disaster.
“It’s amazing to see,” one woman said as people helped push the stuck car.
Elgin resident Tammy Ereckfritz described the rescue that took place near her home.
“The next thing I remember was the fire station, a car stuck on the corner,” Ereckfritz said. “The man came out of the house, opened the car door and pulled out that woman.”
Similar scenes played out in Bartlett, where floodwater reached one person’s knees and cars stalled after the storm.
“This is very heavy rain and severe flooding. It’s never been this bad, I’ve lived here 32 years and it’s never been this bad,” said Bartlett resident Todd Novello.
In Kane County, rising water from Welch Creek flooded roads. An SUV got stuck in a ditch in Downers Grove. A broken rear window appeared to indicate a successful escape from the vehicle.
Among those stranded was Naperville motorist Amit Shenoy, whose SUV broke down after he tried to drive through floodwater.
“It was a little scary because it was raining heavily 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. I did just that. The alert came on my phone and I thought I would just pass by, but it goes off so quickly you don’t have time,” he said.
The storms left behind a consistent message that suburban and city leaders echoed: Drivers should never attempt to drive through floodwaters, but instead should turn around and find an alternative route.
Southern suburbs hit hard
Severe storms created hazardous conditions in the southern suburbs overnight, causing flooding and leaving drivers stranded.
Severe overnight storms have created dangerous conditions in the southern suburbs, causing flooding and leaving drivers stranded.
Overnight storms knocked out power to tens of thousands of people across the region. As of 4:51 a.m., 58,452 customers were without power, according to ComEd.
In Dolton, the basements of some homes may have been flooded. And in Harvey, several motorists had to be rescued after their cars got stuck in standing water.
The Bishop Ford Freeway was closed in both directions from Sibley to 130th Street due to flooding, Illinois State Police said. Helicopter 7 was over the scene where several vehicles could be seen stuck in floodwaters along the freeway.
The Bishop Ford Freeway is closed in both directions at 130th Street due to flooding.
“When I say the water is deep, the water almost reaches my knees. My car got stuck where this car is now, so I had to jump out. I called an ambulance. The ambulance said, “Stay on the roof of the car.” So, I sat on the roof of the car for 30 to 40 minutes,” said driver Rene.
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“I was driving in the rain, it was crazy. The weather here is crazy tonight. It was raining,” driver Carlos Nunez said. “I didn’t really see it, but I drove into a flooded area and my car got hit and my engine cut out on its own and I was stuck in the middle of the flood and had to push it back out.”
“Many drivers are experiencing problems with vehicles stuck on the viaduct. Right now the fire department and other departments are working hard to take care of everything,” said Harvey Deputy Fire Chief Henry Boyd. “Most of the people who are stranded are currently being towed. So we’re just keeping our eyes open and being vigilant and taking care of the people who need it.”
This comes after a boat capsized during a storm on Lake Geneva on Friday. Seven people were rescued, but three children died, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office said.
The rain may have stopped for now, but some streets and viaducts are still flooded or have standing water, so be careful.
As of 11:50 a.m., Chicago O’Hare International Airport had 138 flights canceled, with delays averaging 15 minutes.
At Chicago Midway International Airport, 18 flights were canceled with average delays of less than 15 minutes.
Sunday won’t be as muggy with a few showers and temperatures reaching the 80s.
Weather conditions force cancellation of Fourth of July fireworks and more
Naperville announced it has canceled its fireworks display on Saturday.
The Arlington Heights drone show has been cancelled.
Elgin canceled its Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display.
St. Charles is moving its fireworks show to a later date.
Glen Ellyn’s Fourth of July celebration is cancelled.
The Lombardy fireworks show has been cancelled.
Park Forest’s Fourth of July celebrations, including the parade, live entertainment and fireworks, have been cancelled.
The Streamwood fireworks show has been cancelled.
Fourth of July events in South Holland have been canceled and the fireworks display will be rescheduled.
The Woodridge Downers Grove fireworks display will be rescheduled.
Northbrook cancels Fourth of July parade
Country Club Hills will reschedule its fireworks display to a new date.
Huntley has moved the fireworks display to 9.30pm on Sunday.
The fireworks show in Batavia has been moved to Sunday evening.
Lake Station, Indiana, will now hold a fireworks display on Sunday at dusk.
Valparaiso, Indiana has moved its Fourth of July event to 7:00 pm Sunday, with fireworks at 9:15 pm.
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