Over 7,000 people were left without electricity across the Chicago region on Sunday due to record-breaking rainfall, forcing the Chicago Transit Authority to halt two train lines.
According to the National Weather Service, Chicago broke its previous record for July 2 of 2.06 inches set in 1982 when 2.27 inches of rain were measured at O’Hare Airport at noon.
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A ComEd outage map indicated that more than 7,000 individuals were allegedly without power as of 1:05 p.m. By 2:50 PM, that number had dropped to below 5,000.
According to the CTA, Blue Line trains were stopped between UIC/Halsted and Forest Park just after 11 a.m. and remained stopped well into the afternoon. Pink Line trains between Pulaski and 54th/Cermak were also running.
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According to the city website, more than 200 Chicago households reported having water in their basements on Sunday. The West and Southwest Sides of the city received the majority of the complaints.
As of 2:30 p.m., officials said that Interstate 290 eastbound at Des Plaines Avenue was still closed and “impassable.” Interstate 55 was briefly shut down but has since reopened, according to Illinois state police.
“The [OEMC] is monitoring weather conditions with the National Weather Service in Chicago and coordinating efforts with the Department of Water Management, Chicago Department of Transportation, Streets and Sanitation, CTA and other agencies through the Emergency Operations Center,” the office said in a statement.
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“We urge motorists to use caution and avoid driving through standing water on streets, viaducts and low-lying areas. Residents can call 3-1-1, visit 311.chicago.org or use the CHI311 app to report water in your basement, standing water in the street or viaduct flooding,” the agency said.
