Chicago Under Siege: Dangerous Flash Floods Submerge City Amid Relentless Downpour

A relentless deluge has transformed parts of Cook County, including the heart of Chicago, into a perilous landscape, as a flash flood warning blankets the region. The National Weather Service issued the urgent alert for east-central Cook County, encompassing the bustling city, effective until 11:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Countless iconic neighborhoods, from the bustling Loop to the historic Near West Side, Near South Side, and Bridgeport, find themselves submerged under the warning's ominous shadow.

The NBC 5 Storm Team paints a grim picture, reporting an astounding rainfall rate of approximately six inches per hour in the affected zones. This slow-moving behemoth of a storm is systematically overwhelming the city's intricate drainage systems and turning low-lying areas into treacherous waterways.

As the situation escalated, the National Weather Service issued a chilling alert just after 10 p.m., imploring residents to "not attempt to travel" unless fleeing the encroaching floodwaters. The stark warning underscored the gravity of the situation, labeling it "dangerous and life-threatening."

Throughout Tuesday night, heavy rain hammered much of the city, prompting forecasters to caution against "rapid-onset flooding" in the hardest-hit areas. The sheer volume of water is staggering; one trained weather spotter reported an astonishing five-plus inches of rain in just 90 minutes, recorded west of the United Center. Compounding the crisis, multiple reports of water rescues have emerged from the inundated areas, highlighting the immediate danger to residents.

And the threat isn't over. Officials warn that more storms could lash the area on Wednesday afternoon and into the evening, bringing with them the renewed possibility of heavy rain and powerful, gusty winds. Chicagoans are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for further severe weather.