Portions of west-central Chicago experienced localized flash flooding on July 8. Find out how to stay safe in flooded areas.

Rain came down fast and hard Wednesday night in Chicago, creating some hazardous situations not only for drivers, but for first responders who were busy rescuing people who were stuck in high waters.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning at 9:46 p.m. Tuesday night for Chicago and Cicero and the situation quickly escalated.

More than a month's worth of rain fell on Chicago in 90 minutes on Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). "There were numerous reports of flooded viaducts, several reports of water rescues, and a few reports of flooded basements," the NWS said.

A Chicago flash flood warning went out Tuesday night as the city experienced some of its heaviest rain since 2023. More than 4 inches fell in less than 90 minutes on the West Side.

In parts of Chicago, flash flood alerts rang Tuesday, warning of dangerous conditions as cars were stranded and submerged on highways and water rescues were conducted, but how much rain actually fell across the region and how fast did it all happen?

Texas. North Carolina. Illinois. New Mexico. Flash flooding has surged into the spotlight in the last week with record-breaking flood events occurring nearly back-to-back across the country. Here’s why they happened now and why floods are becoming more intense.

Chicago flash flooding caused sudden road washouts, and water rescues had to be made at more than one location on the West Side.