Heavy rain fell across many areas of northeast Illinois on May 17th producing widespread flooding which continued into May 18th.  Two brief tornadoes also occurred during the afternoon of May 17th.  Scattered showers produced a few funnel clouds on May 18th.  Some of the highest 48 hour rainfall totals ending Monday morning May 18th included 8.61 inches in River Forest; 5.18 inches near Oak Forest; 4.75 inches near Burr Ridge; 4.70 inches three miles southwest of Midway Airport; 4.59 inches in Palos Heights; 4.14 inches in Burr Ridge; 3.99 inches in Joliet; 3.88 inches in Harwood Heights; 3.80 inches at the National Weather Service office in Romeoville; 3.73 inches in Algonquin; 3.60 inches near Manhattan; 3.59 inches in Minooka; 3.59 inches at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) and 3.32 inches in Cary.

Funnel Cloud in LA SALLE, ILLINOIS
From 18-MAY-20 12:50:00 to 18-MAY-20 12:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEONORE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A funnel cloud extended about one third of the way to the ground and then dissipated.

Flash Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 14:30:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAWTHORNE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Route 6 was closed due to flooding at an underpass near Route 50.

Flash Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 13:30:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: WILLOW SPGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Flooding caused the closure of 107th Street near Route 45.

Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 14:30:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: AVONDALE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Multiple reports of street flooding were received from the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago.

Flood in LAKE, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 09:30:00 to 17-MAY-20 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LIBERTYVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Appley Avenue was flooded near Oak Spring Road.

Tornado in KENDALL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 14:15:00 to 17-MAY-20 14:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: MILLBROOK
Tornado F-scale: EFU
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A brief tornado touched down in northwest Kendall County.  No damage was reported.

Tornado in GRUNDY, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 16:26:00 to 17-MAY-20 16:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: PEQUOT
Tornado F-scale: EFU
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A brief tornado touched down in eastern Grundy County.  No damage was reported.

Flash Flood in DU PAGE, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 17:30:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: FOX CROFT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Flash flooding from St. Joseph Creek and Barth Pond caused flooding on 55th Street which was closed between Lyman Avenue and Florence Avenue.  St. Joseph Creek also caused flooding on Fairview Avenue, which was closed between Maple Avenue and Prairie Avenue.  Highland Avenue was closed near 35th Street due to flooding from Lacey Creek.

Flash Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 18:00:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAYWOOD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Interstate 290 was flooded near Des Plaines Avenue.  The CTA suspended Blue Line service between the Forest Park and Harlem stations due to flooding.

Flash Flood in KENDALL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 16:45:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: WHITE WILLOW
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Flooding was reported on Interstate 80 near Ridge Road.

Flash Flood in LIVINGSTON, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 16:30:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: BLAIR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Numerous roads were closed due to flooding in Round Grove Township.

Flood in LIVINGSTON, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 16:15:00 to 17-MAY-20 19:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: BLACKSTONE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

One foot of water was reported on Route 17 near Route 18.

Flash Flood in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 14:45:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: MANHATTAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Numerous roads were flooded including Smith Road at Foxford Drive, Smith Road near McCormick Way and Smith Road near Schoolhouse Road.  Flooding was also reported along Manhattan-Monee Road.  Prairie Creek flooded the intersection of Bruns Road and Kankakee Street.

Flash Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 17:05:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: HASTINGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Main Street was closed due to flooding between 4th Street and Walker Road.

Flash Flood in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 17:00:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: CATON FARM
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous roads were flooded in Plainfield with water several feet deep in some locations.  Route 126 was closed west of Plainfield due to flooding.

Flash Flood in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 17:30:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLAINFIELD CLOW ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Multiple vehicles were stalled in flood waters along Naper Boulevard between Royce and Bailey Roads.  Several feet of water was reported on Naper Boulevard near Bailey Road.

Flash Flood in DU PAGE, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 17:30:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: WHEATON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several feet of water was reported in a park near downtown Wheaton.

Flash Flood in KENDALL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 16:35:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLATTVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Flood waters 12 to 18 inches deep were reported on Caton Farm and Ridge Roads.

Flash Flood in KENDALL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 16:15:00 to 17-MAY-20 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: OSWEGO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Multiple reports of flooded roads were received near 127th Street and Collins Road.

Flash Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 17:25:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: BERKELEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Water was reported over a few lanes of Interstate 290 near Interstate 294.

Flash Flood in IROQUOIS, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 15:30:00 to 17-MAY-20 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ONARGA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Route 45 was closed between Onarga and Paxton due to flooding.

Flood in KANE, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 17:15:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: AURORA MUNI ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Numerous reports were received of flooded roads in the vicinity of Sugar Grove.

Flood in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 16:48:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW LENOX GEAR ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Flooding was reported on Nelson Road at numerous locations.

Flash Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 17:40:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: BROADVIEW
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

First Avenue was closed near Forest Avenue due to a flooded underpass.  Around 40 people were evacuated by boat near Salt Creek in Lyons, where flood waters were chest deep in some areas and flooded some homes.

Flood in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 17:45:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOLINGBROOK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several inches of water was reported on Weber Road at 135th Street.

Flood in DU PAGE, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 17:45:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: SOUTH ADDISON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Flood waters at least one foot deep were reported on residential streets in Villa Park.

Flash Flood in LAKE, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 18:30:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: FOREST LAKE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Route 41 was closed due to flooding at Route 60.  Several cars were stranded in flood waters at Deerpath Road and Skokie Highway where drivers were rescued from their cars.

Flood in LAKE, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 18:40:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: DEERFIELD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Residential street flooding was reported near Deerfield and Wilmot Roads.

Flood in DU PAGE, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 17:45:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: WESTMONT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Flood waters at least one foot deep were reported on residential streets in Clarendon Hills.

Flash Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 18:10:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROBBINS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Kedzie Avenue was closed due to flooding between 137th Street and 139th Street.  Cal-Sag Road was closed due to flooding between Cicero Avenue and 135th Street.

Flash Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 18:45:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHICAGO RIDGE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Flooding from Stony Creek inundated yards and approached structures near Ridgeland Avenue and 103rd Street.

Flash Flood in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 18:30:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRESTON HGTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Flooding caused damage to Route 53 near Interstate 80 with chunks of pavement removed.

Flash Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 18:00:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAWTHORNE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous cars were stalled in flood waters at 159th Street and Central Avenue.

Heavy Rain in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 17:25:00 to 17-MAY-20 18:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: BERWYN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Rainfall of 1.80 inches was measured in one hour.

Heavy Rain in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 15:00:00 to 17-MAY-20 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WOLFS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Rainfall of 2.60 inches was measured in 3 hours.

Heavy Rain in KENDALL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 15:00:00 to 17-MAY-20 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLATTVILLE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Rainfall of 3.00 inches was measured in 2 hours.

Flash Flood in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 17:30:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: FOREST PARK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Some streets north of Pilcher Park were reported to be washed out with street and basement flooding.

Heavy Rain in GRUNDY, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 15:00:00 to 17-MAY-20 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SANK RIDGE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Rainfall of 3.50 inches was measured in 2 hours.

Heavy Rain in GRUNDY, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 15:00:00 to 17-MAY-20 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SANK RIDGE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Rainfall of 3.60 inches was measured in 2 hours.

Flood in DU PAGE, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 16:45:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: FRONTEAC
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Localized flooding was reported on several roads in Naperville, including on Ogden Avenue.

Flood in DU PAGE, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 to 19-MAY-20 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WOODRIDGE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

After heavy rain and flash flooding on May 17th, flooding continued on May 18th across many areas in DuPage County.

Flood in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 to 19-MAY-20 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WOLFS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

After heavy rain and flash flooding on May 17th, flooding continued on May 18th across many areas in western Will County.

Flood in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 to 19-MAY-20 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FRANKLIN SQUARE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

After heavy rain and flash flooding on May 17th, flooding continued on May 18th across many areas in eastern Will County.

Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 to 19-MAY-20 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPAULDING
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

After heavy rain and flash flooding on May 17th, flooding continued on May 18th across many areas in northern Cook County.

Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 to 19-MAY-20 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELK GROVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

After heavy rain and flash flooding on May 17th, flooding continued on May 18th across many areas in central Cook County.

Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 to 19-MAY-20 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLABURN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

After heavy rain and flash flooding on May 17th, flooding continued on May 18th across many areas in southern Cook County.

Funnel Cloud in LA SALLE, ILLINOIS
From 18-MAY-20 10:50:00 to 18-MAY-20 10:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: OTTAWA
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Funnel Cloud in LA SALLE, ILLINOIS
From 18-MAY-20 13:28:00 to 18-MAY-20 13:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: TONICA
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Two funnel clouds were reported in the Tonica and Leonore areas.

Flash Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 16:50:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ORLAND PARK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Will-Cook Road was closed between 151st Street and 159th Street due to flooding.

Flash Flood in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 17-MAY-20 18:30:00 to 17-MAY-20 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLYBOURN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Residential structure flooding was reported along Kingbury Street due to flooding from the North Branch Chicago River.  Flooding from the Chicago River also flooded all of Lower Wacker Drive which was closed.  Several cars were stalled in the flood waters and six homeless people were rescued.  Flooding from the Chicago River was reported to be the worst in nearly 60 years and flooded the basement lower levels of the Willis Tower.  The water had to recede and it took several days to pump water from the lower levels.  Power was lost which affected numerous TV and radio station broadcasts, including the NOAA Weather Radio Station which broadcasts from the Willis Tower.  The flow of the Chicago River was reversed to avoid overbank flooding, which allowed storm water and sewage to flow directly into Lake Michigan.  The Chicago Riverwalk was also flooded in several locations.