Chicago Weather: Flood Risk, More Storms In The Forecast

Overnight storms flooded roads in some Chicago-area suburbs Wednesday morning, prompting evacuations, and more storms could be on the way Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS has issued a flood warning for southern Lake County, northeastern Kane County, southeastern McHenry County and northwestern Cook County until 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Flash flooding was still occurring in some areas, but standing water from heavy rain is becoming a concern, the NWS said. A flash flood watch is also in effect from 9 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday morning in Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, LaSalle, Lake, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Will and Winnebago counties.

Thunderstorms with heavy rainfall of more than one inch per hour are expected to move across north, central and northeast Illinois Wednesday night and possibly into Thursday. "With already saturated ground from today's heavy rainfall, flash flooding could occur, quickly posing danger to motorists and those in low-lying areas," the NWS said.

Motorists are advised to turn around if they come upon a flooded road, as most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

In some areas, including Lake County, people were rescued by boat following late night and early morning storms, according to ABC Chicago. ABC captured this video of a motorist stranded on a flooded roadway Wednesday morning:

A heat advisory is also in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday for LaSalle, Grundy, Livingston and Ford counties, with temperatures in the low 90s and heat indices around 105 degrees.

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity create a situation that could lead to heat-related illnesses. The NWS advises residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. Try to reschedule strenuous activities and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing if you'll be spending time outside.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke:

Heat cramps:

• Symptoms:
  • Painful cramps, especially in the legs
  • Flushed, moist skin
• Treatment:
  • Move to a cool place and rest. Do not continue to participate in the activity.
  • Remove excess clothing and place cool cloths on skin; fan skin.
  • Give cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar.
  • Stretch cramped muscles slowly and gently.

Heat exhaustion:

• Symptoms:
  • Muscle cramps
  • Pale, moist skin
  • Usually has a fever over 100.4° F (or 34° C)
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Anxiety, and faint feeling
• Treatment:
  • Move to a cool place and rest.
  • Remove excess clothing and place cool cloths on skin; fan skin.
  • Give cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar.
  • If no improvement or unable to take fluids, take your child to an emergency department immediately. IV (intravenous) fluids may be needed.

Heat Stroke:

• Symptoms:
  • Warm, dry skin
  • High fever, usually over 104° F (or 40° C)
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Agitation
  • Lethargy
  • Stupor
  • Seizures, coma, and death are possible
• Treatment:
  • Move to a cool place and rest.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency medical service. Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency and needs to be treated by a doctor.
  • Remove excess clothing and drench skin with cool water; fan skin.
  • Place ice bags on the armpits and groin areas.
  • Offer cool fluids if alert and able to drink.

Via Johns Hopkins University

Image via National Weather Service