Chicago

Overnight Flooding Shuts Down LSD, Leaves Drivers Stranded

Despite a partly sunny, warm and humid morning, scattered showers and possibly strong storms are expected to develop later in the afternoon and evening hours

Overnight rain left viaducts flooded, drivers stranded and even briefly shut down Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, authorities said. 

The major roadway was shut down in both directions around 12:40 a.m. between Monroe Street and Hollywood Avenue due to flooded waters under viaducts, according to Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications. 

There were no immediate reports of injuries or drivers trapped, authorities said. The roadway reopened around 2:30 a.m., according to police. 

Elsewhere in the city, cars were seen stalled after driving through high waters.

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In Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, several underpasses were flooded out, forcing police to block traffic. North Side streets were also seen overflowing with water.

In Skokie, video showed several side streets were flooded. High water was also causing some delays on the Kennedy Expressway near Canfield. 

A Flash Flood Warning was in effect for central Cook County until 4:45 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. 

By 6 a.m., some areas had already seen more than 3 inches of rain in 24 hours. 

At Chicago's O'Hare Airport, 2.24 inches had fallen, the NWS reports. In Oak Lawn, the area reported up to 2.59 inches of rainfall. 

Showers were expected to linger early Thursday before ending, leaving behind a partly cloudy and cooler day with highs in the mid 60s. Despite more sunshine, temps will likely be a bit cooler Friday with low 60s expected.

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