The City of Chicago and its suburbs have faced heavy rainfall and flash flooding throughout the last days of June and the first days of July.
Chicago Gets Consistent Heavy Rainfall
Cook County has been overflowing with record-setting rainfall. Over the Fourth of July weekend, many basements flooded and highways shut down. In response to this, on July 11, Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation that sent resources out to eight counties to aid them.
Over eight inches of rain in parts of Chicago contributed to the knockout of power, downing of trees, and flash flooding. Officials have no choice but to open up shelters and cooling centers for residents after having a rainy summer with high humidity and heat.
“Illinois communities suffered major damages due to last week’s severe rain and weather,” Pritzker said in a statement. Homeowners have filed over 2,000 complaints about recent Chicago flooding but more specifically, basement flooding. Home and business owners in the suburbs have reported evidence of damages as well.
“To support those impacted across the state, I have signed a disaster proclamation to mobilize every available resource, accelerating the recovery process and providing relief for our residents,” continued Pritzker in his statement. The governor’s disaster proclamation could also help local districts. The proclamation secures federal aid if officials determine that state help is not enough.
Residents have been asked to help save water by reducing shower time spent in the shower, flushing toilets less often, and waiting to run any dish or washing machines.
Cicero Residents
Cicero residents are hit the hardest because of the constant heavy rainfall. Many of these residents are still cleaning their flooded homes and basements. Restaurant and business owners state that they had to work overtime to clean things up. Seeing this, these residents have requested that Cicero officials invest in better sewer infrastructure. Some suggest constructing green spaces to house that water during times of heavy rain, therefore preventing flooding.
Chicago is not the only place suffering from increased rainfall. There are reports of unusual rain this summer, and this is because of climate change. The country will continue to be hit by horrible weather conditions as long as climate change is happening.
By Makayla Grison
Chicago Sun-Times: Pritzker proclaims disaster after record-setting area rainfall, downstate tornadoes ‘to mobilize every available resource
Chicago WGN 9 News: When he comes to vote I’m gonna look the other way:’ Cicero president ‘mad’ at governor over flooding response
NBC Chicago: Severe weather risk upgraded for Chicago area; ‘torrential rainfall,’ flooding possible”
Top and featured image courtesy of WBEZ’s Flickr page – Creative Commons License
Inset image courtesy of Dimitar Bachvarov‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
