National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Severe Thunderstorms and Excessive Rainfall in the Mid-Atlantic; Heat and Fire Weather Concerns in the West

Scattered strong to severe storms, excessive rainfall, and flooding are expected across parts of the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast today. Flood Watches are in effect. Heat will continue to impact the West today. Heat advisories are in effect for portions of the Intermountain West; and Extreme Heat Warnings are in effect for portions of Arizona and southeast California. Read More >

Fast Facts

  • A multi-faceted, large storm system brought numerous impacts to northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, including heavy rain and localized flooding, followed by strong winds and the most significant lakeshore flooding in the Chicago area in years. There also was occasional wintry precipitation including icing.
  • North to northeast winds frequently gusting to 40-50+ mph in Chicago throughout Saturday, January 11, brought large, battering waves into shore line areas and significant flooding resulting in the closure of Lake Shore Drive. The winds also resulted in major aviation impacts in the Chicago area, and O'Hare International Airport was forced to have around 1,000 cancellations.
  • Rainfall of 1.5 to 3" across much of the area on Friday night, January 10, resulted in rapidly rising rivers into flood stage. Wintry precipitation also impacted the area, including icing and some snow that resulted in slick roadways.

 
 
Summary Image
Summary Infographic

 

 

nws logo

Media use of NWS Web News Stories is encouraged!
Please acknowledge the NWS as the source of any news information accessed from this site.

Additional recaps can be found on the NWS Chicago Science & Past Events Page.

nws logo