Chicago

Evening Commute Could Hit Snags as Flooding, Storms Continue

After a string of showers and thunderstorms rolled through the Chicagoland area, some evening commuters could be in for challenges on their trip home.

Areas north of Chicago have been especially hard hit, and the impact will be felt by commuters. According to Metra, the Milwaukee District North Line will resume its regular weekday schedule, but with some changes in the early stages of the afternoon. 

According to the agency, the 3:37 p.m., 4:40 p.m., and 5:12 p.m. departures from Union Station will not run, as clean-up continues from flooding and tree damage that impacted the line on Wednesday morning. 

Trains on the line may also be delayed by up to 15 minutes due to speed restrictions, according to Metra. 

A slew of flood warnings and watches are still in effect, with record flooding expected along the Des Plaines River and minor flooding forecasted along the North Branch of the Chicago River, according to the National Weather Service. 

[[434030483, C]]

There are still residual delays and closures in the area after heavy rains on Wednesday morning. In Lake Bluff, several drivers were forced to abandon their cars in standing water near Route 176 west of Route 43.  

[[434030563, C]]

Amtrak suspended Hiawatha Service between Chicago and Milwaukee just before 8 a.m. Wednesday morning due to flooding. The agency announced that service on the line would resume at 3 p.m. Wednesday. 

Roads were shut down in several suburbs, including:

  • Route 176 from Route 43 to Interstate 94
  • Route 43 and Route 41 just south of Route 176
  • Two lanes of southbound I-94 were shut down at the Lake Forest Oasis, causing delays back to Route 132 during the morning rush.
  • Route 137 was closed from Route 21 to St. Mary's Road in Libertyville.  
  • Route 45 from Petersno to Casey

The Kane County Sheriff's office said it was responding to numerous reports of abandoned vehicles in the north Starks area. 

The stormy weather downed trees and power lines, making travel hazardous on area railways. 

[[434030453, C]]

Contact Us