Chicago Flash Floods Spur Damage, Rescue Efforts

Chicago was hit by catastrophic flash flooding on Tuesday night, with torrential rains dropping over five inches across the city in less than two hours and up to 6.6 inches in neighborhoods like Douglass Park. The West Side, including areas around the United Center, was especially hard-hit, leading to stranded vehicles, flooded basements and viaducts, and numerous water rescues. The rainfall exceeded the city's typical monthly average in just 90 minutes, and the National Weather Service called it a 'staggeringly high rainfall rate.' The flash flood warning reached areas such as Cicero, and while the heaviest rain had ended by Wednesday morning, hazardous travel and reduced visibility persisted. This flooding follows deadly floods in Texas and New Mexico, highlighting a wider trend of severe summer weather across the U.S. Authorities are assessing damage and urging caution as recovery and cleanup efforts begin.